Is this Cell a Human Being?
Exploring the Status of Embryos, Stem Cells and Human-Animal Hybrids
Editors: Suarez, Antoine, Huarte, Joachim (Eds.)
Free Preview- Discusses which embryonic or stem cell entities may be human beings
- Interdisciplinary and international in authorship, drawing together scientists, clinicians, philosophers and historians from throughout Europe and the USA
- Chapters rigorously discussing altered nuclear transfer, parthenotes and interspecies embryos
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- About this book
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The central question of this book is whether or not particular cell entities of human origin ought to be considered human beings. The answer is crucial for making moral decisions for or against research and experimentation. Experts in the field discuss the production of embryonic-like pluripotent stem cells by altered nuclear transfer, parthenogenesis and reprogramming of adult somatic cells. They thoroughly analyse the biological and moral status of different cell entities, such as human stem cells, embryos and human-animal hybrid embryos, and make a decisive step towards establishing final criteria for what constitutes a human being. The topic is challenging in nature and of broad interest to all those concerned with current bioethical thought on embryonic human life and its implications for society.
- Reviews
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From the reviews:
“This book begins with an accurate synopsis of stem cell research, embryological development, genetic modification, and the scientific perspectives on the definition of death. … The book also addresses ethical issues related to animal rights. Current primary references are provided with each chapter, and there is a glossary of philosophical and scientific terms used in the book at the end. … A useful acquisition for bioethics, public policy, and law collections. Summing Up: Recommended. Academic, professional, and general readers, all levels.” (B. R. Shmaefsky, Choice, Vol. 49 (5), January, 2012)
- Table of contents (11 chapters)
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Introduction
Pages 1-6
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Breakthrough in Stem Cell Research? The Reprogramming of Somatic Cells to Pluripotent Stem Cells: Overview and Outlook
Pages 7-24
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Preimplantation Stages of Human Development: The Biological and Moral Status of Early Embryos
Pages 25-43
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Complete Moles and Parthenotes Are Not Organisms
Pages 45-54
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Embryos Grown in Culture Deserve the Same Moral Status as Embryos After Implantation
Pages 55-75
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Table of contents (11 chapters)
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- Download Table of contents PDF (22.3 KB)
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Bibliographic Information
- Bibliographic Information
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- Book Title
- Is this Cell a Human Being?
- Book Subtitle
- Exploring the Status of Embryos, Stem Cells and Human-Animal Hybrids
- Editors
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- Antoine Suarez
- Joachim Huarte
- Copyright
- 2011
- Publisher
- Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
- Copyright Holder
- Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
- eBook ISBN
- 978-3-642-20772-3
- DOI
- 10.1007/978-3-642-20772-3
- Hardcover ISBN
- 978-3-642-20771-6
- Softcover ISBN
- 978-3-642-44398-5
- Edition Number
- 1
- Number of Pages
- X, 209
- Topics