Wattanasak Srivorakul. Christian ethics on human cloning : the dehumanization and the family devaluation . Master's Degree(Ethical Studies). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2006.
Christian ethics on human cloning : the dehumanization and the family devaluation
Abstract:
This research focuses on one of the technological challenges that confront
today’s committed Catholics. Its aim is to study from the Catholic perspective the
ethical issues of dehumanization and family devaluation that have arisen with the
advent of cloning technologies. The study focuses both on human cloning as the
product of life (reproduction) and the curing of some diseases (therapeutic). The
method of documentary is used in this study.
The value of a human being as a person and the intrinsic value of the family
according to the teaching of the Catholic Church were used as a basis for this study.
The results emphatically demonstrated that cloning dehumanizes a human being as a
person. Men and women are created in the image of God and consequently they have
their own innate dignity and human rights. Therefore, human cloning violates the
dignity and the right of the embryo which is treated as an object or mere means to
ends of other people such as parents or patients. Especially, therapeutic cloning
involves taking life of the innocent, which is totally unacceptable despite benefits to
others. Besides, reproductive cloning undermines the value and meaning of human
sexuality. This is because the sexual relationship (unitive) cannot be separated from
procreation. Morever, it negatively impacts the relationship within the family, which
will eventually affect the child.
In the age of scientific and technological advancement like ours, it is
suggested that all parties seriously engage in dialogue to tackle the problem of
scientific and technological impact on human life and society. And the dialogical
approach should be given the first priority and established as the regular approach.