Ontological and Ethical Implications of Direct Nuclear Reprogramming: Response to Magill and Neaves

Published Date: March 11, 2009 | Topics: Philosophy, Reviews and Commentaries

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[This article was co-authored by Maureen L. CondicPatrick Lee, and Robert P. George.]

The paper by Magill and Neaves in this issue of the Journal attempts to rebut the “natural potency” position, based on recent advances in direct reprogramming of somatic cells to yield “induced pluripotent stem” (iPS) cells. As stated by the authors, the natural potency position holds that because “a human embryo directs its own integral organismic function from its beginning . . . there is a whole, albeit immature, and distinct human organism that is intrinsically valuable with the status of inviolability and deserving full moral respect” (p. 26). The authors boldly assert that “The recent production of iPS . . . highlights a prima facie absurdity for the natural potentiality argument” (p. 29). Yet the argument against natural potency is both logically flawed and based on a characterization of the scientific evidence that is factually inaccurate.

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Judicial Usurpation: Then and Now

Published Date: November 16, 2012 | Topics: Constitutional Issues, Politics and Current Affairs

Whether the issue is abortion or marriage, judges shouldn’t be policymakers. [This article was co-authored by Robert P. George and David L. Tubbs.] This year marks the 40th anniversary of Eisenstadt v. Baird, a momentous, yet largely forgotten, Supreme Court decision — one worth revisiting in view of President Obama’s reelection and continuing national debates about […]

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The New Abortion Debate

Published Date: April 1, 1996 | Topics: Philosophy, Politics and Current Affairs

[This article was co-authored by Robert P. George and Ramesh Ponnuru.] Over the last few months, certain intellectuals on both sides of the debate over abortion have publicly expressed newfound doubts about their side’s positions and tactics. Notable defenders of the abortion license, such as Naomi Wolf, have conceded that abortion is no ordinary surgical […]

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