Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapters 3, 4
Lesson
Minimum of 2 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook)
Instructions
Review the following ethical dilemmas:
John Doe has decided to clone himself. He is sterile. He cannot find anyone to marry him. He wishes to have children. He knows that he will not be able to love a child that is adopted or not connected directly to him biologically. He will be making use of a new procedure that involves taking his skin cells to produce a twin. The twin starts out as an embryo and grows into a child. The child in this case will have the same genetic information as John Doe. John Doe and his child will be twins.
Jane Doe is eighteen. For as long as she can remember she has been sexually attracted to other females. Her parents belong to a religion that has a religious text stating that God forbids one to be a lesbian. This religion goes on further to say that lesbians will be punished in the afterlife. Jane Doe is debating whether she should tell her parents about her sexual attraction. She has not yet decided if she should come out to her parents and live as a lesbian now that she is a legal adult.
Joe and Mary are a couple. Before becoming sterile, they had a child. This child died of a rare disease. Joe and Mary miss their child terribly. They have heard that there is a new IVF procedure that can ensure that they can have another child. However, their religion forbids using IVF.
Use the resources assigned for this week and additional research,
Select two of the situations above and then address 2 of the following:
What is the relation between ethics and religion? Formulate and investigate the relation.
For each case, determine the ethical path of conduct. Then, determine what paths of conduct would be unethical
For each case, what would an emotivism say to appraise what you determine is the ethical form of conduct?
For each case, would a natural law ethicist agree with what you say is the ethical form of conduct? Why or why not?
Articulate, explain, and evaluate in each case an approach that makes use of divine command ethics
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Ethics and Religion:
The relationship between ethics and religion can vary depending on the specific religious beliefs and ethical frameworks involved. In some cases, religious teachings and doctrines provide a moral foundation for ethical principles and guide individuals’ moral decision-making. Religious texts and authorities often prescribe certain behaviors or actions as morally right or wrong.
However, it’s important to note that ethics can exist independently of religion as well. Ethical theories and frameworks such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics can be secular in nature and don’t necessarily rely on religious teachings. Additionally, individuals may derive their ethical principles from sources other than religion, such as philosophy, culture, personal experiences, or a combination of various influences.
Case 1: Cloning Dilemma
Ethical Path of Conduct:
The ethical path of conduct in this case would involve considering the well-being and autonomy of all parties involved. John Doe should carefully reflect on his motivations and potential consequences of cloning himself. He should also consider alternative options such as adoption or finding meaning in a non-biological connection with a child. If John Doe proceeds with cloning, he should ensure that the procedure is safe, the child’s rights and welfare are protected, and they are provided with a loving and supportive environment.
Unethical Paths of Conduct:
Unethical paths of conduct in this case would involve disregarding the well-being of the cloned child, treating them as a means to fulfill John Doe’s desires without considering their own autonomy and individuality. Additionally, if the cloning procedure is unsafe, or if John Doe neglects the child’s emotional and psychological needs, it would be considered unethical.
Emotivism Perspective:
Emotivism is a meta-ethical theory that suggests ethical statements are expressions of emotions or personal attitudes rather than objective facts. An emotivist might appraise the ethical conduct in this case based on their emotional reaction. They may argue that if John Doe genuinely desires to have a child and believes cloning is the only way to establish a biological connection, then it can be seen as ethically acceptable from his perspective. However, this perspective doesn’t provide a comprehensive analysis of the ethical implications involved.
Natural Law Ethicist Perspective:
A natural law ethicist would likely assess the ethical form of conduct in this case by considering the fundamental principles of human nature and natural order. They may argue that cloning goes against the natural reproductive process and disrupts the inherent dignity and purpose of human life. From a natural law perspective, cloning may be seen as ethically problematic due to the potential consequences for human identity, relationships, and the overall flourishing of individuals.
Divine Command Ethics:
A divine command ethicist would evaluate the cloning dilemma by referring to religious teachings or divine commands. Depending on the religious tradition, the specific stance may vary. Some religious perspectives may see cloning as a violation of God’s design or interference with the natural order. Others might consider the intentions and outcomes, and if the cloning process is seen as respectful of life and aligned with divine purpose, it could be deemed ethically acceptable. The assessment would heavily depend on the particular religious beliefs and interpretations.
Case 2: Lesbian Identity Dilemma
Ethical Path of Conduct:
The ethical path of conduct in this case would involve promoting honesty, respect for autonomy, and the well-being of Jane Doe. She should carefully consider the potential consequences and weigh the importance of her self-expression and authenticity against the potential harm her parents’ religious beliefs may cause. Jane Doe should have the freedom to embrace her sexual orientation and make decisions that
