Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues

By: Michael Ruse

Book Overview

Stem cell research is headline news. Researchers are eager to move forward, state governments and private foundations are rushing to support it, and the sick and afflicted are desperate for its benefits. Yet powerful forces in our society led by President George W. Bush find it morally troubling and they are doing all in their powers to restrict its development beyond a very limited scale.Stem cells, which have the remarkable potential to develop into different parts of the body, are actually harvested from aborted fetal tissue or newly fertilized cells. Proponents of stem cell research argue that scientists are making legitimate use of already aborted fetuses and it is unfair to deprive those who are suffering the benefits of a potentially revolutionary therapy. Yet this practice has raised sharp criticisms from the Religious Right, who charge that science is capitalizing on an abhorrent procedure. Given the medical potential for treatment of incurable diseases by stem cell research, as well as the moral dilemmas this technology poses, should such research be permitted? What moral, religious, or political objections might be raised?Philosophers Michael Ruse and Christopher A. Pynes have compiled this valuable, up-to-date, and newly revised collection of articles by noted experts to address all aspects of the stem cell controversy. The contributors scientists, medical practitioners, philosophers, theologians, 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. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the science of stem cell research, its medical cures and promises, and the moral, religious, and policy concerns surrounding this controversial social issue.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591024048
• ISBN13: 9781591024040
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 307 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Well balanced book that would be useful in the classroom.

The editors give the stem cell debate thorough and thoughtful treatment of the complex issues surrounding the current debate. This would be an excellent book for someone wishing to become familiar with all aspects--social, political, religous, moral, scientific, medical--of stem cell issues. I would highly recommend this book for any college course that plans on tackling such thorny issues as ethics--both medical and scientific. In addition, as both editors are philosophers the book would be well-suited to any introductory ethics class.

Excellent source of information

This book covers the subject from various angles. It is divided into major topics, with articles from various professionals speaking about the topic. A perfect book for those who want to learn the subject or write a research paper.