Does the Ontological Status of the Embryo Determine Its Moral Status?

Emine Göçer

Article Details

Does the Ontological Status of the Embryo Determine Its Moral Status?

Authors:

Emine Göçer

Publisher:

Eskişehir Osmangazi University

Main Topics:

Din Felsefesi

Journal:

Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.12 Issue 1, pp.186-209

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001341593

pISSN:

2147-8171

Keywords:

Abstract:

 This article examines the possibility of determining the ontological status of the embryo and the moral foundation of the framework on which this status is based. Discussions on the ontological status of the embryo are analyzed within the frameworks of substance and continuity theories. Substance theory posits that the embryo possesses an immutable essence in ontological terms. This theory, being metaphysical in nature, aligns with theistic perspectives, which hold that God grants humans a soul from His own spirit. Consequently, humans are perceived as possessing an unchanging essence or nature. This perspective entails a metaphysical view consistent with substance ontology. Furthermore, in theistic thought, humans are regarded as beings deserving of dignity because they are created by God. Examples supporting this view are presented from Christian and Islamic thought, expressed as the concept of imago Dei and the notion of humanity being elevated above all other creations, respectively. The concept of human dignity found in theistic thought provides a metaphysical foundation supporting substance theory and endows humans with moral status. This notion leads to the conclusion that the thesis of human dignity, which attributes an ontological status to the embryo viewing it as a potential human, also confers moral status upon the embryo. The idea that humans are ontologically dignified beings implies that every stage of human development, from the earliest biological moment of the embryonic phase to infancy and beyond, holds value in relation to the previous stage, further supporting this concept. The dignity thesis appears closely tied to the species, nature, and potentiality of the embryo. Initially, the relationship between dignity and the speciesist approach is emphasized. However, anti-speciesist perspectives argue for the equality of humans with other living beings, advancing secular critiques of the concept of human dignity. In response, this study seeks to establish a consistent position on the concept of dignity by addressing the points of contention between theistic and secular interpretations. The substance ontology adopted for the discussion of the embryos personal identity is further supported by the metaphysical thesis of essentialism. Essentialism asserts that every species has its own immutable essence. It is argued that the essential qualities of natural species emerge at specific stages of embryonic development. In contrast, advocates of continuity theory reject the idea that the embryo possesses an unchanging essence or that there exists a definitive threshold distinguishing one stage of human development from another. They claim that the moral status of the embryo can only be established on a conventional basis, which provides a precarious foundation rather than a robust one for its protection. Therefore, this study argues that providing an ontological foundation of a substantial nature for the embryo is more coherent. In addition, the article addresses criticisms of substance ontology and the thesis of human dignity, offering reasoned responses. While explaining the ontological status of the embryo within the framework of substance theory, it is demonstrated that this theory aligns with concepts such as human dignity, speciesism, and essentialism. The argument from potentiality concerning the embryos ontology is highlighted as particularly significant. This argument resonates with the theistic notion that the soul or essence given to humans by God bestows dignity by virtue of its potential state. Through these approaches, the article concludes that the ontological status of the embryo determines its moral status. Analytical methods from the field of bioethics are employed to examine metaphysical issues. The significance of this study lies in addressing discussions about the ontological status of the embryo, a topic extensively explored in Western literature from a secular perspective but less frequently analyzed on a metaphysical basis.

 This article examines the possibility of determining the ontological status of the embryo and the moral foundation of the framework on which this status is based. Discussions on the ontological status of the embryo are analyzed within the frameworks of substance and continuity theories. Substance theory posits that the embryo possesses an immutable essence in ontological terms. This theory, being metaphysical in nature, aligns with theistic perspectives, which hold that God grants humans a soul from His own spirit. Consequently, humans are perceived as possessing an unchanging essence or nature. This perspective entails a metaphysical view consistent with substance ontology. Furthermore, in theistic thought, humans are regarded as beings deserving of dignity because they are created by God. Examples supporting this view are presented from Christian and Islamic thought, expressed as the concept of imago Dei and the notion of humanity being elevated above all other creations, respectively. The concept of human dignity found in theistic thought provides a metaphysical foundation supporting substance theory and endows humans with moral status. This notion leads to the conclusion that the thesis of human dignity, which attributes an ontological status to the embryo viewing it as a potential human, also confers moral status upon the embryo. The idea that humans are ontologically dignified beings implies that every stage of human development, from the earliest biological moment of the embryonic phase to infancy and beyond, holds value in relation to the previous stage, further supporting this concept. The dignity thesis appears closely tied to the species, nature, and potentiality of the embryo. Initially, the relationship between dignity and the speciesist approach is emphasized. However, anti-speciesist perspectives argue for the equality of humans with other living beings, advancing secular critiques of the concept of human dignity. In response, this study seeks to establish a consistent position on the concept of dignity by addressing the points of contention between theistic and secular interpretations. The substance ontology adopted for the discussion of the embryos personal identity is further supported by the metaphysical thesis of essentialism. Essentialism asserts that every species has its own immutable essence. It is argued that the essential qualities of natural species emerge at specific stages of embryonic development. In contrast, advocates of continuity theory reject the idea that the embryo possesses an unchanging essence or that there exists a definitive threshold distinguishing one stage of human development from another. They claim that the moral status of the embryo can only be established on a conventional basis, which provides a precarious foundation rather than a robust one for its protection. Therefore, this study argues that providing an ontological foundation of a substantial nature for the embryo is more coherent. In addition, the article addresses criticisms of substance ontology and the thesis of human dignity, offering reasoned responses. While explaining the ontological status of the embryo within the framework of substance theory, it is demonstrated that this theory aligns with concepts such as human dignity, speciesism, and essentialism. The argument from potentiality concerning the embryos ontology is highlighted as particularly significant. This argument resonates with the theistic notion that the soul or essence given to humans by God bestows dignity by virtue of its potential state. Through these approaches, the article concludes that the ontological status of the embryo determines its moral status. Analytical methods from the field of bioethics are employed to examine metaphysical issues. The significance of this study lies in addressing discussions about the ontological status of the embryo, a topic extensively explored in Western literature from a secular perspective but less frequently analyzed on a metaphysical basis.

 This article examines the possibility of determining the ontological status of the embryo and the moral foundation of the framework on which this status is based. Discussions on the ontological status of the embryo are analyzed within the frameworks of substance and continuity theories. Substance theory posits that the embryo possesses an immutable essence in ontological terms. This theory, being metaphysical in nature, aligns with theistic perspectives, which hold that God grants humans a soul from His own spirit. Consequently, humans are perceived as possessing an unchanging essence or nature. This perspective entails a metaphysical view consistent with substance ontology. Furthermore, in theistic thought, humans are regarded as beings deserving of dignity because they are created by God. Examples supporting this view are presented from Christian and Islamic thought, expressed as the concept of imago Dei and the notion of humanity being elevated above all other creations, respectively. The concept of human dignity found in theistic thought provides a metaphysical foundation supporting substance theory and endows humans with moral status. This notion leads to the conclusion that the thesis of human dignity, which attributes an ontological status to the embryo viewing it as a potential human, also confers moral status upon the embryo. The idea that humans are ontologically dignified beings implies that every stage of human development, from the earliest biological moment of the embryonic phase to infancy and beyond, holds value in relation to the previous stage, further supporting this concept. The dignity thesis appears closely tied to the species, nature, and potentiality of the embryo. Initially, the relationship between dignity and the speciesist approach is emphasized. However, anti-speciesist perspectives argue for the equality of humans with other living beings, advancing secular critiques of the concept of human dignity. In response, this study seeks to establish a consistent position on the concept of dignity by addressing the points of contention between theistic and secular interpretations. The substance ontology adopted for the discussion of the embryos personal identity is further supported by the metaphysical thesis of essentialism. Essentialism asserts that every species has its own immutable essence. It is argued that the essential qualities of natural species emerge at specific stages of embryonic development. In contrast, advocates of continuity theory reject the idea that the embryo possesses an unchanging essence or that there exists a definitive threshold distinguishing one stage of human development from another. They claim that the moral status of the embryo can only be established on a conventional basis, which provides a precarious foundation rather than a robust one for its protection. Therefore, this study argues that providing an ontological foundation of a substantial nature for the embryo is more coherent. In addition, the article addresses criticisms of substance ontology and the thesis of human dignity, offering reasoned responses. While explaining the ontological status of the embryo within the framework of substance theory, it is demonstrated that this theory aligns with concepts such as human dignity, speciesism, and essentialism. The argument from potentiality concerning the embryos ontology is highlighted as particularly significant. This argument resonates with the theistic notion that the soul or essence given to humans by God bestows dignity by virtue of its potential state. Through these approaches, the article concludes that the ontological status of the embryo determines its moral status. Analytical methods from the field of bioethics are employed to examine metaphysical issues. The significance of this study lies in addressing discussions about the ontological status of the embryo, a topic extensively explored in Western literature from a secular perspective but less frequently analyzed on a metaphysical basis.

 Bu makalede, embriyonun ontolojik statüsünün imkânı ve bu statünün dayandırıldığı zeminin ahlaki temeli hakkındaki tartışmalara yer verilmiştir. Embriyonun ontolojik statüsü hakkındaki tartışmalar, tözcü kuram ve devamlılık kuramı çerçevesinde tartışılmıştır. Tözcü kuram, ontolojik anlamda embriyonun değişmez bir özü olduğunu kabul eder. Bu kuram metafiziksel bir yaklaşım olmakla birlikte teizmin bakış açısıyla da uyumludur. Teistik düşüncede Tanrının insana kendi ruhundan bir ruh verdiği bilinir. Bunun neticesinde insanın değişmez bir özedoğaya sahip olduğu düşünülür. Bu yaklaşım da tözcü ontoloji ile uyumlu metafiziksel bir bakış açısı içerir. Diğer taraftan, teistik yaklaşıma göre, insan, Tanrı tarafından yaratıldığı gerekçesiyle saygınlığı hak eden bir varlık olarak görülür. Hıristiyan ve İslam düşüncesinde bu görüşü destekleyen örneklere yer verilmiştir. Bunlar sırasıyla imago dei ve insanın tüm yaratılanlardan üstün kılınması şeklinde ifade edilebilir. Teistik düşüncede yer bulan insanın saygınlığı kavramı tözcü kuramı destekleyen metafiziksel bir temel olmakla birlikte bu kavram insana ahlaki bir statü de verir. Bu yönüyle embriyoya ontolojik bir statü veren potansiyel açıdan insan olarak gören tözcü ontolojiyi destekleyen insanın saygınlığı tezinin embriyoya ahlaki bir statü vereceği düşünülmüştür. İnsanın ontolojik olarak saygın bir varlık oluşundan hareketle ilk biyolojik anından embriyo dönemine, oradan bebeklik dönemine ve bu şekilde süregiden her anının bir öncekine nispetle değerli olacağı fikri, bu kavramla olan ilişkiyi destekler niteliktedir. Saygınlık tezi, embriyonun ait olduğu türü, doğası ve potansiyelliği ile de doğrudan ilişkili görünür. Öncelikle saygınlık kavramının türcülük yaklaşımıyla ilişkisi vurgulanmıştır. Ancak türcülük karşıtı yaklaşımlar, insanın diğer canlılar kadar saygın olduğu düşüncesine karşı seküler tezler ileri sürdükleri için ilk başlıkta, teistik yorumun seküler yorumlarla çatıştığı noktalar dikkate alınarak, insanın saygınlığı kavramı hakkında tutarlı bir tutum belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Embriyonun kişisel özdeşliği konusunda benimsenen tözcü ontoloji, metafiziksel bir tez olan özcülük yaklaşımı ile de destelenmiştir. Özcülük her türün kendine ait bir değişmeyen yönü olduğunu vurgular. Doğal türlerin embriyodaki belirli aşamalarda ortaya çıktığı düşünülür. Devamlılık kuramı savunucuları ise embriyonun değişmeyen bir öze sahip olmadığını ve insan olma eşiği gibi bir anı diğerinden ayıran belirli bir eşiğin bulunmadığını savunarak herhangi bir tözcü ontolojinin varlığını inkâr ederler. Onlar, embriyo üzerinde ancak uzlaşımsal manada bir ahlaki statüye erişilebileceklerini iddia ederler. Bu tutum ise embriyonun korunmasına yönelik gerçekçi bir temelden ziyade kaygan bir zemin sunar. Bu nedenle embriyoya yönelik tözcü nitelikte ontolojik bir temel sunmanın daha tutarlı olduğu savunulmuştur. Bununla birlikte tözcü ontolojiye ve insanın saygınlığı tezine karşı getirilen eleştirilere de yer verilerek makul cevaplar sunulmaya çalışılmıştır. Embriyonun ontolojik bir statüsü olduğunu tözcü kuram çerçevesinde açıklarken bu kuramın insanın saygınlığı, türcülük ve özcülük gibi kavramlarla da uyumlu olduğu gösterilmeye çalışıldı. Embriyonun ontolojisi hakkında ileri sürülen potansiyellikten gelen argümanın önemli bir yeri olduğu vurgulanmıştır. Bu argüman, insana Tanrı tarafından verilen ruhunözün bilkuvve halinde bulunması itibariyle de bir saygınlık kazandırdığı düşüncesiyle uyumludur. Bütün olarak bu yaklaşımlar çerçevesinde ele alınan embriyonun ontolojik statüsünün ahlaki statüyü belirlediği sonucuna varılmıştır. Makalede biyoetik alanında analitik bir yöntem kullanılarak metafiziksel konulara ilişkin tahliller yapılmıştır. Bu makalenin önemi ise Batı literatüründe çokça yer bulan embriyonun ontolojik statüsüne ilişkin tartışmalara seküler temelde yer verilirken metafiziksel temelde daha az araştırmaya konu olduğu düşüncesine dayanır.

Article Details

Does the Ontological Status of the Embryo Determine Its Moral Status?

Authors:

Emine Göçer

Publisher:

Eskişehir Osmangazi University

Main Topics:

Din Felsefesi

Journal:

Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.12 Issue 1, pp.186-209

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001341593

pISSN:

2147-8171

Philosophy of Religion

Bioethics

Human Dignity

Substance Ontology

Essentialism

Personal Identity

Moral Status

EmbryoDin Felsefesi

Biyoetik

İnsanın Saygınlığı

Tözcü Ontoloji

Özcülük

Kişisel Özdeşlik

Ahlaki Statü

Embriyo

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Emine Göçer

Publisher: Eskişehir Osmangazi University

Main Topics: Din Felsefesi

Journal: Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.12 Issue 1, pp.186-209

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 3/2025

Document Language: Turkish

Document ID (Org No.): 2001341593

pISSN: 2147-8171

Issues

Authors:

Emine Göçer

Publisher:

Eskişehir Osmangazi University

Main Topics:

Din Felsefesi

Journal:

Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi Vol.12 Issue 1, pp.186-209

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001341593

pISSN:

2147-8171