Of Acorns and Embryos

Robert George and Patrick Lee have an insightful article entitled "Acorns and Embryos" in The New Atlantis.  In this essay, they critique Paul McHugh's arguments in favor stem cell harvesting of "clonates" and Michael Sandel's arguments in favor stem cell harvesting of embryos more broadly.  Here is a sampling:

"Sandel’s defense of embryo-killing on the basis of an analogy between embryos and acorns collapses the moment one brings into focus the profound difference between the basis on which we value oak trees and the basis on which we ascribe intrinsic value and dignity to human beings. His analogy only makes sense if we reject the principle that all human beings possess equal moral worth—a principle that we assume Sandel wishes to uphold, not reject."

Thanks to The Seventh Age for this link.

Michael S.