Prospects and Challenges of Xenografting. Implications to Humans and the Environment (PDF)

Document from the year 2019 in the subject Philosophy - Practical (Ethics, Aesthetics, Culture, Nature, Right, ...), grade: 1.0, , course: Philosophy, language: English, abstract: This work gives support to the already done research on the ethical implication of xenografting and also challenges the committee of philosophers and scientists to join in the cost-benefit analysis of xenotransplantation. It is not good to endanger our future, that of the animals and other beings just for temporary gains that xenotransplantation holds for us. The end should not be made to justify the means - both are important. The means and the end must be held in complementary relationship as Asouzu would advise - the means and the end forms one complementary horizon and none is absolute. The main aim of this book is to conduct a philosophical appraisal of the implications of xenotransplantation to humans and the environment at large.

At present xenotransplantation could arguably be said not to be a risk, which would imply that this research is not justified. However, it is good to note, that research efforts are seriously ongoing, implying that in the nearest future, there would be a breakthrough in xenotransplantation and it would become a clinical success. Better immunosuppressive drugs are being sought for and research is also making significant progress in genetic engineering of pigs (the most favoured animals for xenotransplantation), so as their organs would not suffer hyperacute rejection when used in humans. The possibility that researches would yield result necessitates this research. I believe that it is better to nip a problem at the bud than to combat it when it is already full blown. Now that xenotransplantation is not yet fully developed and its catastrophic effects are not yet evident, it is better to tackle it, so as to save mankind and the world at large from imminent danger. Prevention is always better than cure.