PHI-413V Topic 2 DQ 2

How does your worldview of human value affect your beliefs about bioethical issues, such as abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to the “Discussion Question Rubric” and “Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.

Solution

One’s worldview regarding human value fundamentally shapes approaches to complex bioethical issues. My perspective on human value centers on the inherent dignity and worth of human life at all stages of development. This worldview influences how I analyze and approach various bioethical challenges in healthcare.

According to Beauchamp and Childress (2019), bioethical decision-making often involves balancing multiple principles including respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. How we prioritize these principles stems directly from our core beliefs about human value. For instance, when considering issues like genetic engineering and designer babies, my worldview leads me to carefully weigh scientific advancement against potential risks to human dignity and equality.

Stem cell research presents particularly complex ethical considerations. While Hyun (2020) notes the significant therapeutic potential of stem cell research for treating various diseases, different worldviews lead to varying conclusions about the ethical implications of different stem cell sources and research methods. My perspective emphasizes the importance of pursuing scientific advancement while maintaining rigorous ethical standards that protect human dignity.

Regarding abortion, worldviews about when human life begins and the relative weight given to maternal and fetal rights significantly impact ethical positions. Rather than taking absolute positions, my approach involves carefully considering the complex medical, social, and ethical factors involved in each situation while maintaining respect for human dignity throughout the decision-making process.

These bioethical issues require thoughtful consideration of how technological capabilities align with our fundamental values about human worth. As healthcare continues to advance, maintaining clear ethical frameworks grounded in our worldview about human value becomes increasingly important for guiding decision-making.

References:

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Hyun, I. (2020). The ethics of stem cell research. In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2020 Edition). Stanford University.

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