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.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. History, types and source animals for xenografting
3. Advantages and disadvantages of xenografting
4. Barriers to clinical success of xenotransplantation
5. Motivation for xenografting
6. Medical challenge posed by xenografting
7. Psychological effects of Xenografting
8. Religious challenges of Xenografting
9. Epistemological challenges of Xenografting
10. Legal Dilemma posed by Xenografting
11. Ethical challenges posed by Xenografting
12. Xenografting and issues of animal rights
13. Concluding remarks
Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this work is to provide a philosophical appraisal of the implications of xenotransplantation for humans and the broader environment. It examines whether the potential medical benefits of using animal organs for human transplantation justify the significant risks and ethical dilemmas involved, ultimately questioning the human-centric approach to biomedical advancement.
- Scientific and medical hurdles, specifically regarding immune rejection and cross-species disease transmission (xenozoonosis).
- The ethical, moral, and religious dimensions of erasing the natural boundaries between human and animal species.
- The epistemological impact of xenografting on personal identity and the concept of a human "person."
- Legal dilemmas surrounding the rights of recipients and the responsibilities of regulatory bodies.
- The ecological consequences of increased human population and environmental degradation resulting from successful xenografting.
Excerpt from the Book
6. Medical challenge posed by xenografting
The single most serious medical challenge that proponents of xenotransplantation have over the years struggled to contend with, is the possibility of a transmission of a new and novel infection from animals to humans. The Nuffield report explains that
It will be very difficult to identify organisms that do not cause any symptoms in the animal from which they come. Previous experience indicate that infectious organisms are normally identified only after the emergence of the disease they cause … put bluntly, it may be possible to identify any infectious organism transmitted by xenografting only if it causes disease in human beings, and after it has started to do so (6).
Since the infectious agents may not be identified on time, it means before the discovery that infectious agents are actually also transferred along with the xenograft, the infection would have caused unstoppable harm; for the agents would have spread to many people by the time the symptom is observed. The Nuffield report, because of this consideration, concludes that the risk of a major epidemic is unquantifiable and therefore advocates for a precautionary principle, requiring “that action should be taken to avoid risks in advance of certainty about their nature … the burden of proof should lie with those developing the technology to demonstrate that it will not cause serious harm” (6). Its conclusion is that “the risks associated with possible transmission of infectious diseases as a consequence of xenotransplantation has not been adequately dealt with. It would not be ethical therefore, to begin clinical trials of xenotransplantation involving human beings” (6).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the definition of xenografting, its historical context dating back to the early 20th century, and the current resurgence of interest driven by advancements in immunosuppressive drugs and transgenic technology.
2. History, types and source animals for xenografting: Details the evolution of transplant science, categorizes different types of xenotransplantation (solid organ, tissue, etc.), and discusses the shift from using primates to pigs as source animals.
3. Advantages and disadvantages of xenografting: Weighs the potential to save lives and alleviate organ shortages against risks like the transmission of infectious agents and physiological incompatibility.
4. Barriers to clinical success of xenotransplantation: Analyzes the biological obstacles, specifically immune system rejection (hyperacute, acute, and cellular) and size/longevity incompatibilities.
5. Motivation for xenografting: Explores the driving forces behind ongoing research, including the medical necessity of curing conditions like Type 1 diabetes and the potential for financial gain and scientific fame.
6. Medical challenge posed by xenografting: Focuses on the critical concern of xenozoonosis, the risk of introducing unknown infectious organisms into the human population, and the necessity of the "precautionary principle."
7. Psychological effects of Xenografting: Discusses the profound impact on human nature and identity, arguing that the integration of animal parts into the human body leads to an identity crisis and threatens traditional concepts of humanity.
8. Religious challenges of Xenografting: Investigates the theological implications of equating human and animal existence, particularly regarding the concept of the soul and the divine image.
9. Epistemological challenges of Xenografting: Examines the philosophical problem of personal identity and asks whether a human-animal chimera can still be considered a human person.
10. Legal Dilemma posed by Xenografting: Discusses the legal status of recipients and the potential violation of fundamental rights such as privacy and freedom of movement due to mandatory lifelong monitoring.
11. Ethical challenges posed by Xenografting: Addresses the ethical issues surrounding the lifelong monitoring of patients, which is likened to imprisonment, and the broader debate over human interference with nature.
12. Xenografting and issues of animal rights: Reviews philosophical arguments regarding animal sentience and whether animals should be afforded rights, moving from Descartes’ view of animals as machines to modern biocentric and deontological perspectives.
13. Concluding remarks: Offers a final assessment, advocating for a halt to xenografting research in favor of environmental sustainability and preventative medicine.
Key Words
Xenografting, Xenotransplantation, Organ failure, Immune rejection, Xenozoonosis, Transgenic pigs, Bioethics, Animal rights, Personal identity, Environmental degradation, Biodiversity, Population control, Complementary ontology, Preventive medicine, Precautionary principle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
This book provides a comprehensive philosophical and ethical critique of xenotransplantation, examining the medical, environmental, and identity-related risks of transplanting animal organs into humans.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the medical dangers of cross-species disease transmission, the ontological impact of merging human and animal biological material, and the ethical dilemmas concerning animal rights and human population growth.
What is the main goal or research question of this study?
The book aims to conduct a philosophical appraisal to determine if the medical "promise" of xenografting is overshadowed by its potential to cause irreparable harm to human nature, religious belief, and the ecosystem.
Which scientific method is primarily addressed in this text?
The work focuses on the scientific methodology of xenotransplantation, specifically the use of genetically modified pigs, immunosuppressive drug therapy, and the ethical/regulatory frameworks governing these practices.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body treats the history and types of xenografting, the biological barriers to success, the philosophical arguments regarding human-animal boundaries, and the long-term environmental consequences of extending human life through animal sources.
Which key terms characterize this research?
The research is characterized by terms such as xenografting, xenozoonosis, bioethics, speciesism, personal identity, and complementary ontology.
How does the author view the potential for xenografting to transmit new diseases?
The author highlights the "precautionary principle," suggesting that the risk of introducing unknown infectious agents (xenozoonosis) is unquantifiable and potentially catastrophic, thus justifying a moratorium on such research.
What does the author conclude about the relationship between xenografting and religion?
The author argues that xenografting challenges religious doctrines regarding the unique soul of humans, as the erasure of boundaries between human and animal suggests that traditional religious hopes of eternal life may be destabilized.
What is the author's stance on animal rights in the context of xenografting?
The author rejects the idea of animals as mere instruments or machines, arguing instead for a "complementary" relationship where all living beings possess intrinsic worth and should not be exploited for human convenience.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Peter Bisong (Author), 2019, Prospects and Challenges of Xenografting. Implications to Humans and the Environment, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/508576
