Cloning

1269 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Impact of technology on human beings

Cloning

The most significant problem our world has with newfound controversies is that most people take one side on the issue before they become educated on the topic at hand. This is the same problem that I see with the controversial issue of cloning. Whether one argues for or against the cloning of humans or animals, most people leave out the ethics and morals behind the issue. People see movies like Multiplicity, starring Michael Keaton (a movie in which Michael Keaton clones himself multiple times in an attempt to make his life more enjoyable), and they think to themselves that cloning themselves might be pretty cool. A poll taken by CNN1 on the issue of cloning found that 7% of Americans would clone themselves. This shows us that 93% of Americans do see the problems behind cloning. But this also shows us that there are some people that need to be educated on the subject through the basis of facts, not some unrealistic movie. So many people argue that cloning could be used on animals for medical advancements and to solve such terrible problems as world hunger, but there are so many more factors behind this problem than just a lack of food. In an interview conducted by TIME magazine2, Daniel Callahan, Director of International Programs and Senior Associate at The Hastings Center states, “[Solving the problem of world hunger] would be wonderful if it could happen, but I’m not sure that cloning offers a solution to world hunger, most of which stems from political, rather that scientific reasons.” Not only this, but cloning should be seriously reconsidered because of technical problems (short and long-term) that may very well occur. This, coupled with scientists’ lack of full knowledge on the practice of cloning sho...

... middle of paper ...

.... Should we as humans value knowledge as opposed to dignity and respect? Or should we begin to realize the importance of human experience as wonderfully complex and mysterious thing? If science gains control over our nature as a whole, such people as clones will just be a product and a prisoner of the scientific method of reasoning.

Bibliography:

Works Cited

2 Auerbach, Larry. “Ethics of Creation.” Time Online 15 Feb. 1997. .

3 Auerbach, Larry. “Sci-Fi Scenarios.” Time Online 15 Feb. 1997. .

4 Auerbach, Larry. “Sci-Fi Scenarios.” Time Online 15 Feb. 1997. .

5 Auerbach, Larry. “Sci-Fi Scenarios.” Time Online 15 Feb. 1997. .

6 Auerbach, Larry. “Sci-Fi Scenarios.” Time Online 15 Feb. 1997. .

1“Most Americans say cloning is wrong.” CNN Interactive 01 Mar. 1997. .

7 Wilmut, Ian. “Cloning 1-2-3.” Time Online 15 Feb. 1997. .

Show More
Related

  • Frankenstein Today

    1112 Words  | 3 Pages

    When the novel “Frankenstein”, by Mary Shelley came out in 1831 the general public was introduced to the idea of man creating another man, scientifically without the use of reproduction. The disasters that followed, in the novel, demonstrated the horrid fact that creating humans was not natural. That was in 1831, when the knowledge of science had not yet evolved enough to act on such an idea. Now as the start of a new millenium approaches, having the capability to scientifically produce one human who is genetically identical to another, or cloning a human, has a lot of people questioning weather or not it is our moral right to do such a thing. It is a classic debate between principles of science and principles of religion.

    Read More

  • Therapuetic Cloning

    1296 Words  | 3 Pages

    Children grow up watching movies such as Star Wars as well as Gattaca that contain the idea of cloning which usually depicts that society is on the brink of war or something awful is in the midsts but, with todays technology the sci-fi nature of cloning is actually possible. The science of cloning obligates the scientific community to boil the subject down into the basic category of morality pertaining towards cloning both humans as well as animals. While therapeutic cloning does have its moral disagreements towards the use of using the stem cells of humans to medically benefit those with “incomplete” sets of DNA, the benefits of therapeutic cloning outweigh the disagreements indubitably due to the fact that it extends the quality of life for humans.

    Read More

  • Through the Looking Glass: The Case for Human Reproductive Cloning

    1976 Words  | 4 Pages

    MacDonald, Chris. “Yes, Human Cloning Should be Permitted.” Apocalypse:Bright Future/Dark Future. Ed. Patrick F. Bolen. New York: Pearson, 2011. 325-328. Print.

    Read More

  • The Injustice Of Cloning In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    954 Words  | 2 Pages

    “Cloning represents a very clear, powerful, and immediate example in which we are in danger of turning procreation into manufacture.” (Kass) The concept of cloning continues to evoke debate, raising extensive ethical and moral controversy. As humans delve into the fields of science and technology, cloning, although once considered infeasible, could now become a reality. Although many see this advancement as the perfect solution to our modern dilemmas, from offering a potential cure for cancer, AIDS, and other irremediable diseases, its effects are easily forgotten. Cloning, especially when concerning humans, is not the direction we must pursue in enhancing our lives. It is impossible for us to predict its effects, it exhausts monetary funds, and it harshly abases humanity.

    Read More

  • Cloning In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    725 Words  | 2 Pages

    If we are not responsible for biotechnology and cloning, human nature can be altered into a new type of “human” or rather we will create something inhuman. Modern day biotechnology and cloning are advancing so quickly that it brings concern to human nature. With the rapid advancements, life may be able to be prolonged for eternity. Some argue that because cloning stem cells is beneficial to humanity, it is ethical.

    Read More

  • Science, Technology, and Morality in Shelley's Frankenstein

    1101 Words  | 3 Pages

    Science is not inherently evil and never will become evil. Though the knowledge gained from science can be used toward producing evil, intended or not, and can be dangerous. The story of Victor Frankenstein shows the irresponsibility possible in the advancement of science and furthers the caution which humanity must take when it attempts to master its environment or itself. The proponents of cloning humans today should remind themselves of the lesson which Victor Frankenstein before they have to deal with the products of their research and learn the hard way.

    Read More

  • Kant Cloning Theory

    2573 Words  | 6 Pages

    In this case, this will be the beginning of human degradation because clones will be treated as commodities or purchased products. Although couples commonly have babies for purposes such as improving a marriage or continuing a family name, human clones can possibly serve as savior siblings or replacements. Savior siblings will only function as spare parts, while a replacement child stands in a shadow of their deceased clone. They represent means to an end by being forced into existence for a sole purpose to alleviate pain and misery from the preexisting. In my opinion, reproductive cloning will turn into a game for the countless number of egotistical people that our society obtains. As irrational as this may be, human cells will eventually be sold, so other people can produce babies that resemble past legends, or current superstars, and even dead geniuses. From the article by Philip Kitcher in the Science, Ethics, and Public Policy of Human Cloning book, the author recognized how prevalent cloning will become when commenters ventured how legitimate it would be to clone Einstein. He indicated, “Polls showed that Mother Teresa was the most popular choice for person-to-be-cloned, although a film star (Michelle Pfeiffer) was not far behind, and Bill and Hilary Clinton obtained some support〖."〗^7The quote signifies how cloning will eventually convert into a luxury to please peoples’ irrational means, increasing the chances for people to be equated to their genetic determinism. Kant identifies humans as authors to the moral law because of our possession of human dignity. According to Devolder’s article, “UNESCO's Universal

    Read More

  • The Science of Cloning

    843 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the essay, Cloning Reality: Brave New World by Wesley J. Smith, a skewed view of the effects of cloning is presented. Wesley feels that cloning will end the perception of human life as sacred and ruin the great diversity that exists today. He feels that cloning may in fact, end human society as we know it, and create a horrible place where humans are simply a resource. I disagree with Wesley because I think that the positive effects of controlled human cloning can greatly improve the quality of life for humans today, and that these benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks that could occur if cloning was misused.

    Read More

  • Cloning is Unethical

    802 Words  | 2 Pages

    In recent years our world has undergone many changes and advancements, cloning is a primary example of this new modernism. On July 5th, 1995, Dolly, the first cloned animal, was created. She was cloned from a six-year-old sheep, making her cells genetically six years old at her creation. However, scientists were amazed to see Dolly live for another six years, until she died early 2005 from a common lung disease found in sheep. This discovery sparked a curiosity for cloning all over the world, however, mankind must answer a question, should cloning be allowed? To answer this question some issues need to be explored. Is cloning morally correct, is it a reliable way to produce life, and should human experimentation be allowed?

    Read More

  • Genetic Cloning

    1547 Words  | 4 Pages

    Cloning Cloning is a process that creates exact genetic copies of an existing cell. Cloning is a more general term that describes a number of different processes that can be used to produce genetically identical copies. The process of cloning can happen either naturally, for instance, when identical twins develop, or it can be induced through synthetic conditions in a laboratory. There are three different types of artificial cloning: gene cloning, reproductive cloning, and therapeutic cloning.

    Read More

  • Human Cloning

    1801 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the article that I chose there are two opposing viewpoints on the issue of “Should Human Cloning Ever Be Permitted?” John A. Robertson is an attorney who argues that there are many potential benefits of cloning and that a ban on privately funded cloning research is unjustified and that this type of research should only be regulated. On the flip side of this issue Attorney and medical ethicist George J. Annas argues that cloning devalues people by depriving them of their uniqueness and that a ban should be implemented upon it. Both express valid points and I will critique the articles to better understand their points.

    Read More

  • Clones Are Human: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

    882 Words  | 2 Pages

    "Human Cloning and Human Dignity: An Ethical Inquiry." The President's Council on Bioethics Washington, D.C. N.p., July-Aug. 2002. Web.

    Read More

  • The Effects of Human Cloning on Medicine

    1768 Words  | 4 Pages

    Imagine a world in which a clone is created only for its organs to be transplanted into a sick person’s body. Human cloning has many possible benefits, but it comes with concerns. Over the past few decades, researchers have made several significant discoveries involving the cloning of human cells (ProQuest Staff). These discoveries have led to beneficial medical technologies to help treat disease (Aldridge). The idea of cloning an entire human body could possibly revolutionize the medical world (Aldridge). However, many people are concerned that these advancements would degrade self-worth and dignity (Hyde and Setaro 89). Even though human cloning brings about questions of bioethics, it has the potential to save and recreate the lives of humans and to cure various diseases without the use of medication (Aldridge, Hyde and Setaro).

    Read More

  • The Benefits of Human Cloning

    1013 Words  | 3 Pages

    In recent years, many new breakthroughs in the areas of science and technology have been discovered. A lot of these discoveries have been beneficial to scientific community and to the people of the world. One of the newest breakthroughs is the ability to clone. Ever since Ian Wilmut and his co-workers completed the successful cloning of an adult sheep named Dolly, there has been an ongoing debate on whether it is right or wrong to continue the research of cloning (Burley). Recently, in February 2001, CNN conducted a poll that stated, 90% of American adults think that cloning humans is a bad idea (Robinson). Even though the majority of Americans are opposed to human cloning, there are many benefits that will come from the research of it. Advancements in the medical field and in the fertility process will arise from human cloning. These advancements make cloning very beneficial to the human society.

    Read More

  • Science and morality

    1309 Words  | 3 Pages

    Progression is a natural occurrence in human life as well as society. Natural curiosity, coupled with a desire for self improvement, has propelled mankind into the age of science and technology. As society progresses, so, too, does human life continue to advance and improve. Medical advances have allowed humans to overcome disease and illness, and ultimately prolog human life. For example, the success of stem cell research has granted doctors the resources to replace damaged cells and begin to repair severe injuries. The amount of scientific progress making its way into society is astounding. However, eventually the question emerges, how far should these advancements be allowed to continue? And at what point do humans bypass medical need to such advances and begin to strip themselves of their humanity? The question of how far humans should allow science to penetrate the natural makeup of humans is delicate, and not one that will result in an unanimous opinion. Yet, before humans can address this subject, they must question whether or not they have the right to alter nature to any extent.

    Read More

More about Cloning

Open Document