The Morality of Naturalness

Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics 13 (1):15-19 (2004)
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Abstract

In discussions among nonphilosophers, the ethical argument from naturalness frequently comes up. “Of course, cloning should be banned—it is unnatural.” “Surely you cannot deny that homosexuality is unnatural.” “The immorality of gene technology is apparent because things like that do not happen in nature. Genes do not jump between species and crossbreeding produces infertile offspring.” Even those who come from a philosophical background can catch themselves thinking, “That is unnatural!” and finding grounds for suspicion from the thought. But what do we mean when we talk about morality and naturalness? What interpretations can be given to the ideas of natural and unnatural in ethical discussions? What are the implications of these interpretations? Are there good grounds for assuming that naturalness is morally better than its opposite? a

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Citations of this work

Imposing a Lifestyle: A New Argument for Antinatalism.Matti Häyry & Amanda Sukenick - forthcoming - Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics:1-22.
Should People Die a Natural Death?Lars Sandman - 2005 - Health Care Analysis 13 (4):275-287.

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