I chose a very interesting argument about stem cell research. This argument was published on Helium.com by a man named Dyson Wells. In this article, Wells takes the position in favor of stem cell research. Though there are many controversies against the morality of stem cell research, Wells tastefully states his opinion on the subject. Stem cells are cells that have the ability to renew themselves through mitosis and can differentiate into many different specialized cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from blastocysts, adult stem cells are found in adult tissue, and cord blood stem cells can be obtained from the umbilical cord following the birth of a baby. In the embryo,embryonic stem cells are essential for development. In adults, stem cells aid in repair of tissue. Since stem cells aid the repair of tissue in adults by regenerating, stem cells hold a high importance in the medical world. The reason that stem cells cause such a moral issue is because many people are under the impression that the only way stem cells can be gathered is through embryonic dissection, when that is not the case at all. There are multiple ways of obtaining stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells are responsible for the clash between church and science. When stem cells are gathered from an embryo the small cluster of human cells that would develop into a fetus are destroyed. The church believes that destroying this cluster of human cells is destroying human life. Wells argues this from the stand point that an embryo is not a stage of human life. Wells states, “The body naturally expels reproductive cells regardless of sexual activity. The conception of a sperm cell with the egg expresses a symbolic event and nothing more. I believe that the point of human development occurs within the second trimester; specifically week twenty-three, of which the fetus gains consciousness. The ability to think independently is what makes us human, not the genetic assembly of DNA.”
Premise: “The body naturally expels reproductive cells regardless of sexual activity.”
Premise: “The conception of a sperm cell with the egg expresses a symbolic event and nothing more.”
Premise: “I believe that the point of human development occurs within the second trimester; specifically week twenty-three, of which the fetus gains consciousness.”
Premise: “The ability to think independently is what makes us human, not the genetic assembly of DNA.”
Conclusion: “I believe that although found immoral by the church, embryonic stem cell research is beneficial and should be permitted to further studies. I make this statement on the basis that I do not believe an embryo is at a stage of human life.”
This argument falls under the category of Healthy. This argument is strong and valid. Each premise strongly and clearly supports the conclusion. There are no fallacies committed because each premise is clearly stated to support the conclusion.
No comments:
Post a Comment