The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues (Contemporary Issues (Prometheus)) [Paperback]

Michael Ruse (Editor), Christopher A. Pynes (Editor), Robert M. Baird (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1591020301 | ISBN-13: 978-1591020301 | Publication Date: January 2003

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Ruse is the Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy at Florida State University and the author or editor of CLONING: RESPONSIBLE SCIENCE OR TECHNOMADNESS; GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS; TAKING DARWIN SERIOUSLY; PHILOSOPHY OF BIOLOGY; and BUT IS IT SCIENCE?

Christopher A. Pynes is an instructor and the undergraduate advisor for the Department of Philosophy at Florida State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591020301
• ISBN-13: 978-1591020301
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,688,454 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well balanced book that would be useful in the classroom., August 9, 2006

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Dear Reader "Dear Reader" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues (Contemporary Issues (Prometheus)) (Paperback)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent source of information, December 8, 2005

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D. Barker - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues (Contemporary Issues (Prometheus)) (Paperback)

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.