The Ethics of Human Cloning [Hardcover]

Leon R. Kass (Author), James K. Wilson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0844740500 | ISBN-13: 978-0844740508 | Publication Date: June 1, 1998 | Edition: 1st

Today biological science is rising on a wall of worry. No other science has advanced more dramatically during the past several decades or yielded so many palpable improvements in human welfare. Yet, none except nuclear physics has aroused greater apprehensions among the general public and leaders in such diverse fields as religion, the humanities, and government. In this engaging book, Leon R. Kass, the noted teacher, scientist, humanist, and chairman of the President's Council on Bioethics, and James Q. Wilson, the preeminent political scientist to whom four United States presidents have turned for advice on crime, drug abuse, education, and other crises in American life, explore the ethics of human cloning, reproductive technology, and the teleology of human sexuality. Although in their lively dialgoue both authors share a fundamental distrust of the notion of human cloning, they base their resistance on different views of the role of sexual reproduction and the role of the family. Professor Kass contends that in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproudction technologies that place the origin of human life in human hands have eroded the respect for the mystery of sexuality and human renewal. Professor Wilson, in contrast, asserts that whether a human life is created naturally or artificially is immaterial as long as the child is raised by loving parents in a two-parent family and is not harmed by the means of its conception. This accessible volume promises to inform the public policy debate over the permissible conduct of genetic research and the permissible uses of its discoveries.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This slim volume is the best introduction to the ethical debate over human cloning now available, as two of America's most respected public intellectuals tangle over the question of whether it's a good idea to let people make genetic duplicates of themselves. Kass is firmly against human cloning; Wilson, although not exactly an enthusiast, sees no essential problem with it as long as cloned children are raised in loving, two-parent households.

The book is divided into two parts, with each writer laying out an initial position followed by mutual critiques. Kass seems to get the better of the exchange, but both writers present their views clearly, with occasional humor. (Wilson at one point shrugs off the concern that cloning will replace sexual reproduction: "Sex is more fun than cloning.... Procreation is a delight.") This outstanding book will shape a debate that's only just gotten underway. --John J. Miller

From Publishers Weekly

Once merely a theme for science fiction writers, the possibility of cloning human beings now joins a growing list of concerns wherein technology outstrips modern culture's ability to describe the bounds of morality. In this nifty little two-part guide to the ethical debate, Kass (Toward a More Natural Science) and Wilson (On Character) articulate opposed notions. Kass believes that cloning humans is another step in the degradation of humanity. He asserts that it's a natural progression in the assault on the traditional structure of the family, espoused by feminists, reproductive rights enthusiasts, gay liberationists and other cultural sophisticates. For his part, Wilson addresses the issue from a more open-ended position. While he recognizes the philosophical and theological problems of cloning, he believes that it may be an answer to infertility and a substitute for adoption. Both authors thrust and parry deftly with polite wit and literate analogies, in a format that allows ample space to develop both wings of the argument. The second part of the book is allocated for rebuttal and conclusions. The lively intellectual power of both writers, who cite works as diverse as William Blake's poetry and The Boys from Brazil, helps to define the consequences in absorbing terms. The book explores the moral terrain of the near future, and questions whether we are journeying to a braver or more craven new world.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 122 pages
• Publisher: Aei Press; 1st edition (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844740500
• ISBN-13: 978-0844740508
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #527,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars cloning, May 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ethics of Human Cloning (Hardcover)

I found The Ethics of Human Cloning an inciteful view into this controversial issue. It was quite hard to find literature that contained both the fors and againsts of cloning humans (without being overly biased.) This book is great for anyone who is searching for useful information on the ethics in regards to cloning of humans. It was extremely helpful for me as a reference for university assignments, but is also great for anyone with a general interest in this topic.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, January 19, 2003

By 

TheHighlander (Richfield, PA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Ethics of Human Cloning (Hardcover)

At the time this book was written no one had yet claimed to have cloned a human being and the debate was raging, should science even try? Many of the pros and cons that are being discussed today were being discussed 4 years ago when this book was written, shortly after Dolly, the cloned sheep was born.

The many impacts of cloning should be contemplated upon openly so people can make up their minds on this touchy subject. Some of the impacts can not be thought of at this time. This book covers not only the biological impacts but many of the social impacts that could present themselves. Should we allow cloning? Limit it? Make it illegal totally? Legal for research?

This is an insightful book that covers both sides of the debate. I was surprised by some of the conclusions and not by others. I disagreed with some and agreed with others. Thought of some points and not others. This is a good start for the debate on human cloning.

5.0 out of 5 stars this book is amazing, November 2, 2010

By 

Willem Croes (fl,usa) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Ethics of Human Cloning (Hardcover)

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in cloning. The ethics portrayed in this book gives you an amazing insight and opens up your your view on any and every aspect of it. I love this book!!!!!!!!!!