Human Cloning and Kantian Ethics

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Applying Kantian Ethics to the Issue of Human Cloning
Possible Solution to the Dilemma
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The amount of controversy surrounding the issue of human cloning is exceptionally high, especially with the power of technology continuing to increase. The major debate on the ethics of cloning people is far from its end due to the diverse opinions shared by the public, scientists, and experienced philosophers. Currently, quite a few efforts are exerted on the international scene to ban reproductive cloning and ensure that human dignity is protected in an adequate manner (Glannon 84). The issues linked to the regulatory landscape cannot be resolved due to the presence of strong pro-arguments and counterarguments that eventually stall the debate. The current paper will define the issue of human cloning through the prism of Kantian ethics and support the idea of reproductive cloning being a contravention of human dignity and fundamental biological principles.

Applying Kantian Ethics to the Issue of Human Cloning

First of all, it can be noted that quite a few scholars agree on the fact that not all kinds of potential human cloning are outright unethical. Technically, they tend to suggest that the fact that parents’ access to self-benefits could lead them to exploit the cloning procedure (Johnson 28). The inherent immorality of having human clones without ethical standards makes skeptics argue that human clones could be mistreated due to not being ‘natural’ enough. Thus, Kantian ethics can be utilized here to support the idea that the intention of the act can be seen as a reflection of the morality of an action (Goding 243). In other words, the consequences of any particular action should be in line with ethical standards and not vice versa. On a long-term scale, ingenious parents might begin using human cloning to satisfy their selfish intentions instead of following the generally accepted model of behavior. To a certain extent, Kant’s Categorical Imperative can be applied to the issue of human cloning ethics because dignity should always remain visible and respected.

In the case where a person fails to recognize the need to treat humanity as a mere means of achieving personal objectives, society will head toward an increased prevalence of unethical behaviors. Humans should treat each other as unique beings who have the right to exist autonomously and exercise the right to experience various freedoms (Glannon 53). Overall, it can be noted that Kantian ethics prohibit human cloning at the baseline since it is exceptionally immoral to perform an action in order to satisfy one’s egotistical purposes rather than focus on the well-being of humanity. According to Nwoye, Kantian ethics can be utilized to explain the issue of human cloning through the prism of reproductive cloning being misused by those having more authority and resources (126). At the same time, one cannot ignore the fast-paced development of technologies that make it almost possible to clone humans.

Kant’s works’ ambiguity stems from those released in the 18^th century. Knowing that the issue of human cloning became exceptionally visible only three centuries later, it should be seen as a morally unacceptable process that has to be banned unless the gap between ethical principles and scientific progress is closed. It should be hypothesized that human cloning is an inherently negative effort that immoral people should not exploit to satisfy certain needs that were deemed superior to societal well-being.

Possible Solution to the Dilemma

In order to resolve the dilemma of human cloning and its arbitrary complexity, all persons involved would have to contribute to the discussion by outlining genetic identity, autonomy, and self-determination. Not a single person’s right to autonomy and existence should be violated by other people out of mere curiosity. Purely selfish motives should be eradicated from the human cloning equation to ensure that ethical maxims are respected by scientists and philosophers. The Categorical Imperative can be utilized to answer this question, as any given person should be both the end and the means of achieving something (Nwoye 125). Genetically identical persons should not exist because it would endanger the human concept of autonomy and individuality. Between price and dignity, humans should choose the latter in order to treat each other with respect while leaving enough room for science to advance. Biotechnology cannot be stalled based on a 300-year-old ethical theory, but it does not mean that humanity has the right to overturn the fundamental moral pillars for several momentous yet short-term benefits.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence presented within the current paper’s framework, it can be safe to say that human cloning is an ethically complex argument. Not only does it violate human rights, but it also fails to function in line with Kantian ethics. The concepts of autonomy and freedom have always been seen as human-centered, but the process of human cloning seems to take a toll on the proper pursuit of happiness and unalienable rights available to humankind. When speaking of Kantian ethics, it should be important to remember that the process of human cloning becomes a mere generation process where a human being becomes the means to fulfill another person’s desires. Thus, the ultimate conclusion that can be made is that human cloning is unethical and should be banned on all levels in order to preserve human dignity and moral standards prevalent in civil and scientific society.

Works Cited

Glannon, Walter. Genes and Future People: Philosophical Issues in Human Genetics. Routledge, 2018.

Goding, Vincent, and Kieran Tranter. “‘The Machine Runs Itself’: Law is Technology and Australian Embryo and Human Cloning Law.” Griffith Law Review, vol. 30, no. 2, 2021, pp. 240-269.

Johnson, Judith Ann. Human Cloning. DIANE Publishing, 2018.

Nwoye, Leonard. “Ethical Issues in Human Cloning.” International Journal of Humanities and Innovation (IJHI), vol. 2, no. 4, 2019, pp. 125-128.

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Human Cloning and Kantian Ethics

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