Origin of Life: The Reconciliation of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Between Divergent Religions
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2018-12-12
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Abstract
Embryonic stem cell research is a field of study that continuously develops. From the commencement of science, starting with philosophers such as Aristotle to modern science, different religions have always seemed to take opposing sides concerning the beginning of life. This issue is crucial, as one’s religious affiliation offers insight into what it means to be human and the moral status of an embryo. The question asks whether an agreement between religions is even possible, and if so, how would it look? Research has shown that there are several approaches to provide insight to this question, those being religious, philosophical, and scientific perspectives regarding the ethics of embryonic stem cell research, although it is not clear if any of these views can provide a concrete answer for the pressing issues formed by embryonic research. Although these ideas cannot necessarily propose a solution for this kind of research, they can provide a framework to understand the foundations of the argument and why differing religions have conviction for their beliefs.
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Embryonic stem cells, Reconciliation, Ethics, Religious perspectives, Scientific perspectives, 2018 Sophomore Research Conference