Soul Of The Embryo

Contemporary ethical debates about the status of the human embryo involve not only philosophical concerns, but specifically religious arguments. This is a systematic work on the history of Christian reflection on the human embryo.

In contemporary discussions of abortion, both sides argue well-worn positions, particularly concerning the question, When does human life begin? Though often invoked by the Catholic Church for support, Thomas Aquinas in fact held that human life begins after conception, not at the moment of union. But his overall thinking on questions of how humans come into being, and cease to be, is more subtle than either side in this polarized debate imagines. Fabrizio Amerini—an internationally-renowned scholar of medieval philosophy—does justice to Aquinas’ views on these controversial issues. Some pro-life proponents hold that Aquinas’ position is simply due to faulty biological knowledge, and if he knew what we know today about embryology, he would agree that human life begins at conception. Others argue that nothing Aquinas could learn from modern biology would have changed his mind. Amerini follows the twists and turns of Aquinas’ thinking to reach a nuanced and detailed solution in the final chapters that will unsettle familiar assumptions and arguments. Systematically examining all the pertinent texts and placing each in historical context, Amerini provides an accurate reconstruction of Aquinas’ account of the beginning and end of human life and assesses its bioethical implications for today. This major contribution is available to an English-speaking audience through translation by Mark Henninger, himself a noted scholar of medieval philosophy.

Forms, Souls, and Embryos allows readers coming from different backgrounds to appreciate the depth and originality with which the Neoplatonists engaged with and responded to a number of philosophical questions central to human reproduction, including: What is the causal explanation of the embryo's formation? How and to what extent are Platonic Forms involved? In what sense is a fetus 'alive, ' and when does it become a human being? Where does the embryo's soul come from, and how is it connected to its body? This is the first full-length study in English of this fascinating subject, and is a must-read for anyone interested in Neoplatonism or the history of medicine and embryology.

Why are human embryos so important to many Christians? What does theology say concerning the moral status of these embryos? Answers to these questions can only be obtained by considering the manner in which Christian theology understands the great theme of the image of God. This book examines the most important aspects in which this image, and the related Christian notion of personhood, can be used in the context of theological arguments relating to the moral status of the human embryo. Thoughtful in approach and ecumenical in perspective, the author combines a thorough knowledge of the science of embryology with a broad knowledge of the theological implications. Part I Historical and Contemporary Christian Perspectives 1 The Moral Status of the Embryo 2 The Image of God 3 Being a Person from a Christian Perspective Part II The Image of God, Personhood and the Embryo 4 Creation and the Embryo 5 Incarnation and the Embryo 6 Substantive Aspects and the Embryo 7 Relational Aspects and the Embryo 8 Functional Aspects and the Embryo Conclusion Appendix: The Moral Status of New Kinds of Embryo

Forms, Souls, and Embryos allows readers coming from different backgrounds to appreciate the depth and originality with which the Neoplatonists engaged with and responded to a number of philosophical questions central to human reproduction, including: What is the causal explanation of the embryo’s formation? How and to what extent are Platonic Forms involved? In what sense is a fetus ‘alive,’ and when does it become a human being? Where does the embryo’s soul come from, and how is it connected to its body? This is the first full-length study in English of this fascinating subject, and is a must-read for anyone interested in Neoplatonism or the history of medicine and embryology.

Sophisticated imaging devices and new biological technologies have greatly enhanced our ability to detect an ever increasing number of fetal malformations during pregnancy. Elucidation of the human genetic code and exact molecular definition of various diseases, together with enhanced capabilities for repairing genetic defects have opened possibilities for diagnosis and treatment which, less than a decade ago, could only have been dreamed of. However, many clinical topics related to the embryo and human genetics as well as the issues of cloning and the use of human embryonic stem cells have outpaced our ability to keep up appropriate public discourse of ethical, religious, and legal issues. This book is designed to bridge the gap between scientific innovation, treating clinicians, and parents in whose unborn child a malformation was detected and who face a difficult and confusing decision-making process. All chapters were written by leading authorities and reflect the state of the art as well as the authors' personal experiences, unique perspectives, and predictions for developments in their fields in the near future. Specialists in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive medicine, pediatrics and neonatology, genetics, molecular biology, philosophy, ethics and law will benefit from this book written by international experts in their fields.

Progress in biomedical science has called for an international discussion of the medical, ethical, and legal problems that confront physicians, medical researchers, infertile couples, pregnant women, and parents of premature or disabled infants. In addition, the unprecedented technological developments in obstetrical, perinatal, and neonatal medicine in recent years have indicated a need for an international forum for interdisciplinary dialogue regarding the definition of early human life, the neurological development of early human life, the value of early human life, the obligations for its protection and prolongation, and the limits to these obligations.

Psychology that ignores the soul is indeed an odd sort of psychology. But such it is in many colleges today. On the basis of thoroughgoing materialism it has to be nothing more than the physiology of the nervous system. Hence a sound philosophical study of the soul is timely. Where are we to find an exposition and proof of the basic truths on which the structure of psychology must be erected? They are in St. Thomas' DE ANIMA. This opusculum discusses twenty-one questions about the soul, among which are the following: Whether the angel and the human soul differ specifically. Whether the soul is in the whole body and in each part of it. Whether the soul is identical with its powers. Whether the soul, existing apart from the body, can suffer punishment by corporeal fire. Doctor Rowan's translation, though a faithful rendition of the original, is in clear, readable English. The value of this version is greatly enhanced by copious footnotes of two kinds: exact citations of authors (e.g., Aristotle, St. Augustine) to whom St. Thomas refers; explanations of terms and views that otherwise might be obscure to modern readers. The translator has also provided a comprehensive index.