Chimera's Children: Ethical, Philosophical and Religious Perspectives on Human-Nonhuman Experimentation

by David A. Jones; Calum Mackellar

Publisher:

Bloomsbury Continuum

, 2012

Overview

A comprehensive survey of the current context and ethical implications of human-nonhuman genetic combinations.

The idea of human-nonhuman combinations has been a recurrent theme throughout the history of humanity. From the myths of the Minotaur and the centaurs in ancient Greece to the dogheads of the Middle Ages right through to the monsters of modern science fiction, these beings have always been a source of fascination. In recent years, however, biomedical advances have demonstrated the potential to make these entities a reality through the creation of inter-species combinations. As a result, pressing and perplexing ethical questions arise.

Introducing the reader to the historical context of human-nonhuman experimentation and potential future developments, this volume offers clarification, analysis and a thorough overview of the ethical challenges relating to human-nonhuman chimeras, true hybrids, cybrids and other combinations.

This book is the first accessible survey of the different ethical dilemmas facing contemporary society in the creation of human-nonhuman embryonic, foetal and postnatal entities. These include important cultural, legal, philosophical and religious perspectives. As such it will act as a springboard for future debate.

Key Features

The first accessible investigation of this controversial subject, which often garners media attention
Contributions from leading bioethicists in Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Humanist traditions
Will act as a springboard for future academic and public debate
David Albert Jones’ Soul of the Embryo (Continuum, 2004) was shortlisted for the Michael Ramsey prize for excellence in theological writing

Contents

Preface

Part I: Background, Definitions and Current Legislation
Introduction
1. Historical Background
2. National and International Legislation

Part II: Developments in the Creation of Human-Nonhuman Combinations
3. Human-Nonhuman Transgenesis
4. Human-Nonhuman Gestation
5. Human-Nonhuman Hybrid Embryos
6. Human-Nonhuman Cytoplasmic Hybrids (Cybrids)
7. Human-Nonhuman Chimeras

Part III: Cultural, Worldview and Ethical Perspectives
8. Cultural Perspectives
9. Worldview Perspectives
10. Ethical Perspectives
11. Ethical Analysis
12. Conclusions

Praise for Chimera's Children

...groundbreaking and deeply disturbing... In this highly recommended book, we see clearly how urgent and necessary it is for a “greater range of voices from a greater range of perspectives” to engage this most important of issues.

Product Details

• Title: Chimera's Children: Ethical, Philosophical and Religious Perspectives on Human-Nonhuman Experimentation
• Authors: David A. Jones, Calum Mackellar
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Continuum
• Print Publication Date: 2012
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 208
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781441125385, 9781441198860, 1441198865, 1441125388
• Resource ID: LLS:9781441125385
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T23:58:35Z

About the Authors

David Albert Jones is Director of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, Oxford, and Visiting Professor of Bioethics at St Mary's University College, London, UK. His previous book, Soul of the Embryo (Continuum, 2004) was shortlisted for the Michael Ramsey prize.

Calum MacKellar is Director of Research with the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics, Edinburgh, UK and Visiting Professor of Bioethics at St Mary's University College, London, UK.