The Ethics of Chimeric Research
Developing human/non-human embryos for research and organ transplant raises tough questions about the value of human life and the politics of species taxonomy.
Moral Standing and Human/Non-human Hybrids
Research involving animal embryos that have human cells requires us to revisit our standards regarding moral status.
The Ethics of Cell Cultured Brains
Research with cellularly revived brain tissues raises all sorts of questions about the nature of consciousness, the definition of pain, and the ethical boundaries of scientific research.
The Ethics of Scientific Advice: Lessons from “Chernobyl”
HBO's miniseries offers a new opportunity to revisit an age-old debate: Should we keep value judgments out of science? Can we?
Should We Return to the Moon?
Much has been made of the US's intention to return to the moon. What did Apollo 11 mean then and what might another voyage mean now?
Vaccination Abstention and the Principle of Autonomy
In the debate over vaccination abstention, the right to refuse medical treatment and the right to bodily integrity are in conflict with concerns of justice and public health. How can we make headway in the deadlock?
Moral Standing and Human Monkeys
Recent experiments have put pressure on the divisions we draw between human and animals. What does it take to be a right-bearing entity?
Does Care Require Personhood? The Ethics of Robot Caregiving
Emerging healthcare technologies like Rudy, Addison, and PARO should prompt us to reassess the healthcare industry and to contemplate the difference between service and care.
The UK Novocaine Shortage and Animal Welfare
Industrial agriculture has pacified some critics by using Novocaine to ease animal suffering. But what happens when there isn't enough anesthetic to go around? And what's the value of using pain relief for animals set for slaughter?
The Inherent Conflict in Informed Consent
Informed consent might look like an innocuous legal standard, but it masks a divisive political arena. And the struggle between autonomy and paternalism is not without casualties.