Embryo summary

Defining the Embryo

In Embryo, Robert P. George and Christopher Tollefsen embark on a philosophical exploration of the moral status of the human embryo. They begin by defining the embryo as a living organism of the species Homo sapiens in the earliest stage of development, and argue that the humanity of the embryo is not contingent upon any particular stage of development or the presence of certain capacities.

Building on this foundation, the authors delve into the scientific and philosophical literature to refute the claim that the embryo is merely a 'potential' human being, and therefore lacks the same moral status as an actual human being. They argue that the embryo is a whole and distinct organism, and while it may not have the same capacities as a more developed human, it is still a member of the human species and therefore deserving of moral consideration.

Embryo and Personhood

George and Tollefsen then tackle the concept of personhood, often used to differentiate between entities that have moral status and those that do not. They argue that the capacity for rational thought, self-awareness, and consciousness, often used to define personhood, are not the only relevant criteria for moral status. Instead, they propose that being a member of the human species is sufficient to confer moral status, regardless of the presence or absence of particular capacities.

This perspective leads them to reject the idea that the embryo is a mere 'potential' person, and to conclude that the embryo is in fact a person from the moment of conception. They argue that the embryo, like any human being, has inherent value and dignity that must be respected and protected.

Embryo and Public Policy

In the latter part of Embryo, George and Tollefsen turn their attention to public policy, particularly in relation to embryonic stem cell research and abortion. They argue that public policy should reflect the moral truth about the humanity of the embryo, and that it is therefore impermissible to intentionally kill embryos for research or to terminate their lives through abortion.

They also explore alternative avenues of research that do not involve the destruction of human embryos, such as adult stem cell research, and argue that these should be pursued instead. Additionally, they advocate for policies that support the adoption of frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilization, rather than their destruction.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, Embryo presents a robust defense of the moral status of the human embryo, grounded in both scientific and philosophical arguments. George and Tollefsen's central claim is that the embryo is a person from the moment of conception, and as such, deserves the same respect and protection as any other member of the human species.

They acknowledge that their position is not without controversy, particularly in the context of public policy and the law. However, they maintain that it is essential to recognize and respect the moral status of the embryo, and to develop policies that reflect this recognition. In doing so, they argue, we can better uphold the dignity and value of all human life, regardless of its stage of development.