Is This Cell a Human Being?: Exploring the Status of Embryos, Stem Cells and Human-Animal Hybrids

ISBN-13: 9783642443985 / Angielski / Miękka / 2014 / 209 str.

Antoine Suarez; Joachim Huarte

Opis

The central question of this book is whether or not particular cell entities of human origin ought to be considered human beings. The answer is crucial for making moral decisions for or against research and experimentation. Experts in the field discuss the production of embryonic-like pluripotent stem cells by altered nuclear transfer, parthenogenesis and reprogramming of adult somatic cells. They thoroughly analyse the biological and moral status of different cell entities, such as human stem cells, embryos and human-animal hybrid embryos, and make a decisive step towards establishing final criteria for what constitutes a human being. The topic is challenging in nature and of broad interest to all those concerned with current bioethical thought on embryonic human life and its implications for society.

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"This book begins with an accurate synopsis of stem cell research, embryological development, genetic modification, and the scientific perspectives on the definition of death. ... The book also addresses ethical issues related to animal rights. Current primary references are provided with each chapter, and there is a glossary of philosophical and scientific terms used in the book at the end. ... A useful acquisition for bioethics, public policy, and law collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Academic, professional, and general readers, all levels." (B. R. Shmaefsky, Choice, Vol. 49 (5), January, 2012)

Spis treści

Chapter 1

Introduction

Joachim Huarte and Antoine Suarez

           

Chapter 2

Breakthrough in stem cell research?

The reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells. Overview and outlook.

Boris Greber and Hans Schöler

 

Chapter 3

Pre-implantation stages of human development: the biological and moral status of early embryos

Maureen Condic

 

Chapter 4

Complete moles and parthenotes are not organisms

Nicanor Austriaco

 

Chapter 5

Embryos grown in culture deserve the same moral status as embryos after implantation.

Joachim Huarte and Antoine Suarez

 

Chapter 6

Distinguishing embryos from non-embryos

Patrick Lee

 

Chapter 7

Is the human embryo a person? On the status of cell entities produced through ANT

Pablo Requena

 

Chapter 8

Does a human being have a right to life?

The debate on embryo research in Germany as a case study

Manfred Spieker

 

Chapter 9

Interspecies mixtures and the status of humanity.

Neville Cobbe

 

Chapter 10

The boundaries of humanity: the ethics of human-animal chimeras in cloning and stem cell research.

William Hurlbut

 

Chapter 11

Is this cell entity a human being?

Neural activity, spiritual soul, and the status of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Antoine Suarez