Instructions Review: The Following Ethical Dilemmas John Doe

Instructions Review The Following Ethical Dilemmas john Doe Has Decided

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.

Paper For Above instruction

The intersection of ethics and religion is a complex and often debated topic, especially in dilemmas involving reproductive technologies and personal identity. Ethics generally refer to systems of moral principles that guide human behavior, emphasizing concepts such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Religion often provides a moral framework rooted in divine authority, sacred texts, and spiritual beliefs. The relationship between the two can be harmonious when religious teachings align with ethical principles but can also be conflicted when they oppose modern scientific practices or individual rights. Investigating this relationship involves understanding how religious moral codes influence personal choices and societal norms, and how secular ethics can both intersect with and diverge from religious doctrine.

Regarding the first dilemma—the cloning of John Doe—the ethical path of conduct involves considering the moral principles surrounding reproductive cloning, personal identity, and the welfare of the clone. Ethical advocates might argue that if cloning is safe, respects the autonomy of the individual, and does not cause harm, it can be ethically permissible. Conversely, concerns about identity, cloning's impact on societal notions of family, and the potential for psychological harm suggest an unethical path if these concerns are not adequately addressed. An ethically permissible path would be to ensure informed consent, consider the psychological well-being of the clone, and carefully evaluate societal implications. An unethical path might involve coercion, disregard for the clone's future autonomy, or creating a clone solely for reproductive purposes without regard for their individual rights.

From an emotivist perspective, moral statements are expressions of emotional attitudes rather than objective facts. An emotivist might interpret support for cloning as driven by positive emotional reactions like hope or love, and opposition as driven by fear or disgust. Therefore, the appraisal of ethical conduct in this scenario hinges on individual emotional responses rather than universal moral standards. Emotional reactions could justify either acceptance or rejection of cloning, depending on personal sentiments, highlighting the subjective nature of moral judgments in this view.

Examining the perspective of natural law ethicists, they would likely evaluate cloning based on whether it aligns with the inherent purposes of human nature, which they see as rooted in divine order. Natural law theory emphasizes living in accordance with nature’s purpose, including procreation within traditional familial contexts. Cloning might be viewed as problematic because it bypasses natural reproductive processes and could contravene divine intentions. Natural law ethicists might therefore oppose cloning unless it can be shown to fulfill natural purposes and support human flourishing within divine moral order.

In the case of Jane Doe, the ethical considerations revolve around honesty, personal integrity, religious obligations, and individual autonomy. The path of ethical conduct involves respecting her own identity and emotional well-being while considering the potential conflicts with her religious beliefs. An ethical approach might encourage her to find a balance between her authentic self and her familial relationships, possibly seeking dialogue and mutual understanding. Unethical conduct would include concealing her identity in ways that cause harm or denying her authentic self to conform to religious expectations.

From an emotivist standpoint, attitudes toward coming out are rooted in emotional responses—feelings of fear, shame, love, or liberation. Support for disclosure might stem from positive feelings about authenticity and self-acceptance, while opposition could be driven by fear of rejection or social disapproval. Thus, moral judgments about coming out are subjective and heavily dependent on personal emotional states, making them variable and context-dependent.

Natural law theorists would likely emphasize the importance of truthfulness and the pursuit of moral virtues aligned with human nature. They might argue that acknowledging and living according to one's sexual orientation is consistent with the natural inclination toward authenticity and personal integrity. However, if religious commandments explicitly forbid homosexuality, natural law adherents might face a moral tension—balancing divine law against natural moral law based on human nature. Some may argue that genuine sexual identity aligns with natural law, while others might see it as conflicting with divine command, depending on interpretation.

Regarding divine command ethics, in the cloning case, it would involve assessing whether divine authority permits or forbids human cloning, considering scriptural or theological interpretations. If divine law explicitly condemns cloning or technological interference with natural life, then divine command ethics would categorize cloning as unethical. Conversely, if divine law permits stewardship or responsibilities that could include reproductive innovation, cloning might be justified. Similarly, for Jane’s dilemma, divine command ethics would revolve around whether her coming out aligns with divine commandments or moral laws. Some interpret religious texts as requiring honesty and self-acceptance, thus supporting her decision to be truthful, whereas others view her sexuality as sinful and thus ethically forbidden according to divine law. Ultimately, divine command ethics depend heavily on doctrinal interpretations and the perceived will of the divine.

References

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