THIS THURSDAY
February 12, 2008
Thursday in Emmanuel College’s Library Lecture Hall, there will be a presentation on the science and the ethical consequences of stem cell research.
The February Ethics Discussion will present the two different discussions on the scientific aspect and then on the moral effects on society.
The scientific information will be presented by Professor Todd Williams, an assistant professor of Biology. Michelle Maisee, an assistant professor of Philosophy, will present the ethical concepts.
Embryonic stem cell research is the source of the controversy. Embryonic stem cells have the capabilities of developing into human fetuses, which is why many people protest the use of them. Many pro-lifers view the research of them violates the right to life because they have the potential of maturing into human life.
The conflict starts when one tries to decipher when life actually begins. Those who are pro-life believe that life starts at the conception, while others disagree and that life does not begin until the actual birth of the child.
Research and experiments with adult stem cells are less protested because it does not involve the destruction of human embryos.
It will be interesting to hear representatives of Emmanuel, (A Catholic, yet “liberal” college) contradicting each other on the future of the medical advances and the morality of the human race.
The monthly Ethics Discussions are sponsored by Campus Ministry.
Just because one has the capability to make such medical progress, does not necessarily mean it is morally ethical, or if they should.
February 13, 2008 at 1:57 am
Thursday’s lecture will no doubt be a very interesting one playing with a very difficult topic that is all too real. This theme of ethics within the realm of science seems to be an appropriate topic as Emmanuel is in the middle of constructing a brand new science center with state of the art laboratories.
One of my profs brought up an interesting question…What type of experiments will be held in these new laboratories and how far will experiments go in relation to animals and in ethical reasoning? (especially in a Catholic Institution)
February 13, 2008 at 4:26 am
Are you sure that the source of controversy is the beginning of life? I thought it was the beginning of personhood.