[extropy-chat] Stem Cells and Philosophy

[Giu1i0 Pri5c0]

Interesting article on Tech Central Station. Of course I don't agree
with the evident preferences of the author, but the last paragraph is
interesting:
"The real debate signified by the stem cell controversy is only
superficially about science. What is really at issue is philosophy,
namely, What philosophy shall guide us? On one side we have those who
propose a philosophy that has long gone by the name Utilitarianism.
The other side (it must be admitted) is much more confused in its
philosophical commitments, but I think we might tentatively name their
philosophy as Natural Law. When men argue about stem cell research, if
their arguments penetrate to any real depth, what they really
controvert is the question of what philosophical system best
approximates the truth about mankind and his lot here on earth. And if
we are to adopt utilitarianism as our public philosophy, we must have
a debate about philosophy, not science".
Comment: Given this polarzation, I am definitely for utilitarianism.
http://www.techcentralstation.com/120304D.html