Question

5. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos. They are specifically obtained from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro for an infertile couple in an in-vitro fertilization clinic. These are excess fertilized eggs that are donated for research with informed consent of the donors. Medical researchers believe that stem cells have great potential for helping to repair, even regenerate, damaged human tissue, even nerve tissue. Would a Kantian approve of using human embryonic stem cells for medical research and treatment purposes and for what reason?

1. Yes, Kant would approve because these human embryonic stem cells are donated to medical science from infertile couples who wish to help others by allowing them to use their discarded fertilized eggs.
2. Yes, Kant would approve because the benefits to humanity by allowing medical researchers to develop treatments to help people far outweigh any potential harms others might imagine by allowing this practice to become universal.
3. No, Kant would disapprove because human embryonic stem cells, though not actual persons, are potential persons that should be treated with the same dignity and respect as actual persons and therefore never used as means for benefiting others.

Answer 1

Kantian ethics would consider the embryos as a having personhood, and therefore, their destruction would be considered as immoral. This is because kantian ethics emphasizes that human beings must not be used as means even for the noblest ends.

Answer. c.

1. No, Kant would disapprove because human embryonic stem cells, though not actual persons, are potential persons that should be treated with the same dignity and respect as actual persons and therefore never used as means for benefiting others.