The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues

by Michael Ruse

Recent advances in medical research have shown that embryonic stem cells can be used to treat some of the most debilitating diseases, notably Parkinson's disease, spinal injuries, and nerve cell damage. Yet the troubling ethical downside of this promising technology is that up till now the main source of stem cells has been tissue taken from aborted fetuses. This practice has raised sharp criticisms from opponents of abortion who charge that science is capitalizing on an abhorrent procedure. Proponents of stem cell research argue that scientists are making legitimate use of already aborted fetuses and it is unfair to deprive those suffering from serious diseases and injuries of a potentially revolutionary therapy. The issue became so divisive that in August 2001, President Bush addressed the nation on new developments in stem cell research and the ethical dilemmas this technology poses. Should such research be permitted? What, if any, moral, religious or political objections might be raised? Philosophers Michael Ruse and Christopher A. Pynes have compiled this valuable collection of articles by noted experts to address all aspects of this question by examining one of today's most challenging and fiercely debated new areas of science. They explain the scientific research, explore the medical promise that it offers, and present the many sides of the ethical, religious, and policy debate. The contributors--scientists, medical practitioners, philosophers, theologicans, historians, and policy analysts--offer a variety of perspectives, to give readers the critical tools they need to shape an informed position on the topic. This important resource will be useful and accessible to educated readers with no prior knowledge of this contentious issue.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Michael Escott Ruse was a British-born Canadian philosopher of science who specialised in the philosophy of biology and worked on the relationship between science and religion, the creation–evolution controversy, and the demarcation problem within science. Ruse began his career teaching at The University of Guelph and spent many years at Florida State University.

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book immediately caught my eye when i was passing through the non fiction section of my local library. there has always been this big thing on stem cells and i mean i knew stuff about it, but i wanted to know even more stuff about it. because of reading the stem cell controversy, im like really open to both sides now. there was just one side to knw about before and that was that stem cell research wuld save lots of lives and it would be really benefucial.but there was also that side where it was kind oif forbidden because of religious reasons. hoever im not at all for religion so i stick to my side with that it could do the world a really great deal of saving and lots of deaths especially to loved ones or ones you care about.