Utopian Trends in Modern Bioethics. Ethical Aspects of Research on and Using Stem Cells

Abstract

The work presents the ideas and assumptions of utopia, a social philosophy first established in literature, which also affected modern bioethics. The disputes that arise on the bioethical level confirm the existence of model utopias. In this context, the issue of using stem cells for treatment purposes seems crucial, since it divides ethicists, philosophers, doctors, and scientists into two exclusive parties. Creating one’s own ideal visions of the world, i.e., utopias, is safe for the individual, but does not contribute to the full explanation of the controversial matters. Therefore, utopian trends very often are important elements of the modern bioethics, and from the social perspective, the quest for a ‘metalanguage of culture’ in relation to the most important moral issues would be a highly welcomed change.