Times They Are A-Changin': The Convergence of Bioethics, Biotechnology, and Biopolitics Within the Stem Cell Research Debate Open Access

Abstract

Abstract
Times They Are A-Changin': The Convergence of Bioethics, Biotechnology, and Biopolitics
Within the Stem Cell Research Debate
By Michaela Breen Salvo
Stem cell research has emerged as one of the most controversial and politicized forms of biotechnology of the 21st century. Since its development in the early 1990s, stem cell research, particularly embryonic stem cell research, has been the topic of heated political, religious, and philosophical debate. The issues debated, however, are far from modern. Choosing to focus on the post WW-II era, this paper recognized eight significant events in the history of bioethics. Through the lens of history, two predominant reoccurring ethical problems are highlighted: biomaterialism and definitions of life. Next, this paper attempts to give a biological background of the stem cell: its origins, the methods of cultivating it, and the politics surrounding its discovery and subsequent use. Finally, this paper engages and refutes several common anti-stem cell arguments. It proposes that biomaterialism is an inevitable reality and that definitions of life must change as biotechnology advances. This paper approaches the stem cell research debate from an interdisciplinary perspective, focusing not on history, philosophy, or biology but rather on how these three interact with each other and other disciplines to form a comprehensive understanding of this debate.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents


Part I-A Brief Bioethical History 1-38

Introduction 1-2
The Atomic Bomb 2-6
Nuremberg 6-13
Dialysis/Ventilator 13-16
Transplantation 16-20
Abortion 20-22
Genetics 22-27
IVF 27-29
Synthetic Biology 29-32
Ethical Conclusions 32-38

Part II-Stem Cells: The New Biomaterial 38-60

Introduction 38-39
Development 39-46
Potency 46-47
Types 47-51
Method 51-54
Political Playing Field 54-60

Part III-The Great Debate 60-84

Introduction 60-62
Fetal Stem Cells 62-67
Embryonic Stem Cell Research 67-68
Why Stem Cell Research Should Not be Banned 68-81
Conclusions 81-84

Bibliography 84-91

List of Figures

Figure 1: Fertilization 41

Figure 2: Replication and Recombination 42

Figure 3: Early Embryogenesis 43

Figure 4: Blastocyst Formation 44

Figure 5: Stem Cell Types 47

Figure 6: Isolating Embryonic Stem Cells 48

Figure 7: Procedure for Creating iPS Cells 51

Figure 8: Fluorescent Tagging 52

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture
Degree	BA
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	History of Science Philosophy Biology, General
Keyword	biomaterialism Stem cell biopolitics biotechnology interdisciplinary Stem Cell Research history bioethics medicine
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Eisen, Arri, Emory University
Committee Members	Fotion, Nicholas, Emory University Wolpe, Paul Root, Emory University Roy, Deboleena, Emory University

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