Against Cloning Kass

Front 1

three types of approaches that are often given to support human cloning

Back 1

1) the technological approach
2) The liberal approach
3) The Melorist Approach

Front 2

The technological Approach

Back 2

Cloning is seen as an extension of existing techniques for assisting reproduction.

Front 3

The Liberal Approach

Back 3

Cloning is justified by appeals to rights, freedoms and empowerments. Cloning can also liberate women from dating, mating, and even men.

Front 4

The Melorist Approach

Back 4

Cloning is justified because it improves humans, avoids bad (genetic) luck, etc.

Front 5

Why not to clone 1

Back 5

1) undermines the profundity of sex - Human identity will e lost
1a) a couple experiences a precious and profound unity when they create a new life through sexual reproduction; these two individuals merge to create a new being.
1b) that sex is linked intimately with death and its partial transcendence through the creation of children. Cloning violates what it is to say “yes” to our own demise and replacement.

Front 6

Why not to clone 2

Back 6

2) thinks that cloning is a threat to identity and individuality. With cloning, he thinks, there could be pressures for the clonant (the resulting being) to develop as the cloner (the genetic provider). For example, imagine that a famous athlete were to be cloned. Kass thinks there would be tremendous (and unfair) expectations placed upon the clonant.
2a) also thinks that genetic identity is an important support for a dignified and worthy life. (Remember that identical twins do not have genetic individuality. However, since they are born contemporaneously, it is impossible to judge one against the past accomplishments of the other.)

Front 7

Why not to clone 3

Back 7

Third, Kass thinks that cloning hopelessly distorts kinship ties. If I clone myself, who is the father? Genetically, my father would be the father of the clonant (if we understand ‘father’ as ‘he who contributes half of his genetic material to the ‘child’). But, presumably, I would raise the child as my own, thus making me the father.

Front 8

Why not to clone 4

Back 8

Fourth (and similarly), Kass is concerned that the clonant might seek a relationship with his genetic parent who might not wish to begin such a relationship; if the (genetic) father and the cloner are estranged, for example, the (genetic) father might be resistant to such a relationship to the detriment of the clonant.

Front 9

Why not to clone 5

Back 9

Kass thinks that cloning suggests a superiority of the “maker over the made”. Presumably the idea is that the cloner can always bring this up and expect some sort of deference (e.g., “I made you, go cook me dinner!”).

Front 10

Why not to clone 6

Back 10

Kass is concerned with slippery slopes that may lead to eugenics. Cloning enables the superior mate to reproduce himself and avoid the “contamination” of his genome by his less fit partner.