연구논문 : 구조론적 가치체계에서 본 인간 복제 논의

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The aim of this article is to analyze the current debate on human cloning within the framework of the structural value system. In particular, the ethical and religious implications of human cloning were surveyed in regards to the human genome project, human embryo cloning, and human cloning. Positions on human cloning technology can be divided into three broad categories. The first category includes those who embrace cloning technology, emphasizing the efficacy of that technology. The second group takes a negative position on human cloning owing to their strict and absolute view of life. There is a middle group between these two extremes, which takes a more cautious position on cloning. This group admits the usefulness of cloning technology, but insists upon the necessity of strict regulation of this technology. This article attempts to associate these three positions with structural value systems. Structural value systems have three layers: basic value targets, ultimate ends, approximate goals. What is the ultimate end of human beings? Experimentalism describes basic human need as the catalyst which makes human beings act in a certain direction. In that analysis, experimentalism explains why humans have failed to uphold their absolute obligations. In the basic value system, philosophers associate basic human needs with value. Physical needs compel humans to seek money. Intellectual needs compel them to seek power. Emotional needs compel people to seek reputation. The attempts of various individuals to meet these needs results in a conflict of desires among individuals and groups. These conflicts maybe resolved by compromise, eventually leading to fair distribution. The approximate value system defines this fair distribution as "justice." If this justice is to become genuine justice, it must attain the ultimate values of love, freedom and peace. Among these three value systems, the basic value system, seeking to fulfill basic needs such as money, power, reputation and health, will be positively associated with the position which advocates the usefulness of cloning technology. The "ultimate end" philosophers, emphasizing human dignity and the sanctity of life, and who usually pursue peace, freedom and love for humankind, will take a negative position regarding human cloning technology. Those people advocating cautious permission for cloning think that there are fair and justifiable regulations and controls which can resolve the conflict and confusion arising from freely seeking basic needs. This group can be associated with the approximate value system. Ultimate end philosophers take an unrealistic position. That is a weakness. The approximate value position can offer a realistic alternative in the pursuit of justice. In other words, in applying the ideal of ultimate love to reality, there must be some kind of compromise for justice. In the context of human cloning, cautious permission, which not only advocates ultimate value, but also recognizes the realistic need for cloning, can be defined as an approximate approach to human cloning. This approach, while warning of the dangers involved in human cloning, insists on taking responsibility for ultimate human value and considering potential damage to the ecological system. An example of the cautious permission approach toward embryo cloning experimentation which aims to utilize stem cell research would be to replace it with adult stem cell research in order to uphold the principle of ultimate ends which cherishes human dignity. Author opposes the cloning of human individuals using cloning technology due to the lack of an approximate alternative which can protect human dignity.