Op-Ed: Alternative energy for embryonic stem cell research

October 15, 2007

In the difficult debate over human embryonic stem-cell research, the concept of the soul is sometimes invoked to defend the dignity and inviolability of human life even in its earliest beginnings. Although a complete exploration of this idea is beyond the scope of this essay, some reflection on the classical philosophical meaning of ensoulment may provide the understanding essential to find a solution to our current conflict. Specifically, this consideration may delineate criteria to define a human embryo and to know which methods for generating pluripotent stem cells destroy embryos and which do not. (Nature)