When Did I Begin?: Conception of the Human Individual in History, Philosophy and Science - Hardcover

Ford, Norman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052134428X ISBN 13: 9780521344289

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1989

Synopsis

When Did I Begin? investigates the theoretical, moral, and biological issues surrounding the debate over the beginning of human life. With the continuing controversy over the use of in vitro fertilization techniques and experimentation with human embryos, these issues have been forced into the arena of public debate. Following a detailed analysis of the history of the question, Reverend Ford argues that a human individual could not begin before definitive individuation occurs with the appearance of the primitive streak about two weeks after fertilization. This, he argues, is when it becomes finally known whether one or more human individuals are to form from a single egg. Thus, he questions the idea that the fertilized egg itself could be regarded as the beginning of the development of the human individual. The author also differs sharply, however, from those who would delay the beginning of the human person until the brain is formed, or until birth or the onset of conscious states.

About this title

Book Description

Continuing controversy over the use of in vitro fertilization techniques and experimentation with human embryos has forced investigations of the theoretical, moral, and biological issues surrounding the origins of human life into public debate.

Review

"In an area notorious for its polemics, Ford's tone is remarkably evenhanded and calm. The integrity of the argument combined with the richness of scientific data make Ford's book a most valuable resource..." American Scientist

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052134428X
• ISBN 13: 9780521344289
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240