The Mathematics (and Metaphysics) of Identical Twins

被引:0
|
作者
Playford, Richard [1 ]
机构
[1] St Marys Univ, Inst Theol, Waldegrave Rd, London TW1 4SX, England
来源
LINACRE QUARTERLY | 2020年 / 87卷 / 03期
关键词
Abortion; Aristotle; Aquinas; Bioethics; Ethics; Personhood; Personhood at the beginning and end of life; Philosophy; Metaphysics of the human rational soul; MORAL STATUS;
D O I
10.1177/0024363920920396
中图分类号
R-052 [医学伦理学];
学科分类号
0101 ; 120402 ;
摘要
The metaphysics of early embryos is a hotly debated topic in contemporary bioethics and metaphysics. Many contemporary Aristotelians believe that a human being is present from the moment of conception. At the same time, certain findings in modern embryology about the formation of identical twins challenge this belief. It becomes much harder when these theories are taken into account to understand the continued identity over time of the embryo(s) given the twinning process. In this article, I will consider the philosophical implications of two models of monozygotic twinning within an Aristotelian metaphysical schema one of which is the standard, or traditional, model. The other of which is a new model recently put forward by Herranz. For the sake of completeness, I will also consider the philosophical implications of chimeras for the Aristotelian position. I will explain how Aristotelians can understand the process of twinning while holding on to their belief that a human being is present from the moment of conception. Summary: I will argue that a human being is present from the moment of conception. I will argue for this on Aristotelian grounds, and I will then defend this claim from criticisms based on a number of findings in modern embryology.
引用
收藏
页码:278 / 291
页数:14
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