In 1996 scientist cloned the first mammal in history, Dolly the sheep. The birth of Dolly the sheep lead the way to significant ethical controversy. People began to question whether or not science had gone too far and if it was acceptable to test on living organisms in such a way. A large number of individuals focused on the potential unforeseen safety and health effects such advancement could cause. American political philosopher and Harvard University professor Michael J. Sandel discusses his concerns about scientific enhancement in and an essay titled “What’s Wrong with Enhancement.” In the essay, Sandel describes different types of enhancement such as sex selection and genetic engineering, all in which he addresses with the incredible notion of morality.
Michael Sandel (2002) begins by …show more content…
In an essay titled “Thinking Ethically About Human Biotechnology” five different ethical approaches are discussed. The writing Doctor Margaret R. McLean (2000) states in her explanation of the virtue approach that “virtues are dispositions that facilitate acting in ways that develop human potential and human flourishing” (pg.4). The definition of virtue is “behavior showing high moral standards” (Merriam-Webster, 2016) which is exactly Michael Sandel’s takes into consideration the most when developing his opinions and ideas on enhancement. Nearly every topic of enhancement Sandel addresses is tied into what he feels is morally right. The virtue approach allows one to take the utilitarian, rights, justice and common good approaches into consideration. However, the Virtue approach also places an emphasis on morals and how they drive one to act. Just because a person acts morally doesn’t mean that they will always make the right decision. Some people have emotionally driven morals that can cause them to act on what makes them feel better rather than doing what is
Michael Sandel (2002) begins by …show more content…
In an essay titled “Thinking Ethically About Human Biotechnology” five different ethical approaches are discussed. The writing Doctor Margaret R. McLean (2000) states in her explanation of the virtue approach that “virtues are dispositions that facilitate acting in ways that develop human potential and human flourishing” (pg.4). The definition of virtue is “behavior showing high moral standards” (Merriam-Webster, 2016) which is exactly Michael Sandel’s takes into consideration the most when developing his opinions and ideas on enhancement. Nearly every topic of enhancement Sandel addresses is tied into what he feels is morally right. The virtue approach allows one to take the utilitarian, rights, justice and common good approaches into consideration. However, the Virtue approach also places an emphasis on morals and how they drive one to act. Just because a person acts morally doesn’t mean that they will always make the right decision. Some people have emotionally driven morals that can cause them to act on what makes them feel better rather than doing what is