Ethical Theories: In Philosophy, Ethics Essay

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Consequently, the underlying concept regarding the two different arguments is the actual point for the beginning of life. Through the application of several ethical theories, stem cell research is unethical because of the following reasons:

Respect to All Persons:

Based on the utilitarian ethical theory or principle, stem cell research is unethical because it violates the need to respect all individuals and provide the greatest happiness to many people. The emergence of a fetus means that it should be considered as a fully-fledged person who deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Through this respect and dignity, we will guarantee and provide the greatest happiness to the fetus or fully-pledged person who deserves access to the right to life.

Therefore, by destroying the fetus, stem cell research does not promote the need to provide the greatest happiness to many people. Actually, this practice is unethical because it does not increase the amount of pleasure that the fetus experience but rather increases its amount of pain. It's also unethical because it results in the treatment of individuals unfairly unlike the fair treatment stated in the Utilitarianism ethical principle.

Numerous Disadvantages:

Before any research is conducted or undertaken, there is a great need to examine the potential net social benefit of that research. This need goes beyond doing no harm to the need to achieve some good as envisioned in Kant's Categorical Imperative.

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Stem cell research is unethical based on Kant's approach that requires selfish interests to be disregarded in favor of rules that are equally reasonable to all moral agents. The research is unethical because the potential benefits of the practice are not only overstated but they are also less than the actual and potential social harms.

As a result of these numerous disadvantages or social harms, stem cell research is a practice that is not based on rules that are equally reasonable for all moral agents to embrace. Moreover, since the practice is not generally reasonable and acceptable among all members of the society, it's unethical. This is largely because if the research is undertaken, various important opinions that have been raised against it by various groups including religious organization and pro-life activists would be neglected and promote disrespect to cultural or religious beliefs.

Conclusion:

As the world continues to experience several dramatic advances across various fields, there are various ethical dimensions that continue to emerge. The emerging dimensions, concerns, and questions can be addressed through ethical approaches and principles. While ethical theories don't provide ready-made solutions, they help in decision-making processes.

Reference:

Wolff, R.P. (2012). Ethical Theory. In About philosophy. Pearson Education, Inc......

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