Ethics of Stem-Cell Research: A Framework for Ethical Dialogue Regarding Sources of Conflict‪.‬

Introduction One need hardly point out that Darwin's (1859) "Origin" produced controversy from its first appearance. Equally obvious is the fact that, however much value scientists place on evolutionary theory as an explanatory mechanism, the theory remains controversial outside of scientific circles and within nearly every venue in which scientific circles overlap with other areas of inquiry. The controversy exceeds even that of Galileo's (1632/1967) heliocentric viewpoint in his Dialogue, prompting Stephen Gould to claim the controversy has reached the point at which "the very integrity of education hangs in the balance" (Alters and Alters 2001, p. 1). Indeed, evolution may well be the only scientific theory about which scientists have felt compelled to write a book to inform educators about how to deal with "a war within scientific classrooms" (Alters and Alters 2001, p. 14). Public attitudes about evolution, similar to those concerning abortion and capital punishment, have become polarized such that most people hold a position that allows little latitude for rational consideration of informational contrary to their position (beaux, Dane, and Wrightsman 1993). The purpose of the present paper is to present a framework for discussing the ethics of stem-cell research in hopes of preventing its joining the ranks of polarized attitudes.