Fukuyamas Philosophical System and the Ethics of Biotechnology Essay

Fukuyamas Philosophical System and the Ethics of Biotechnology - Essay Example There is ‘something’ that separates humans from other animals. This concept leads to his other theories on bioethics. Such that experimentation on humans should not violate their dignity. And that the essence of being human should remain intact as this separates humans from animals. According to Fukuyama, factor X makes humans as the world knows them. It is the factor in the human body that cannot be reduced to moral choices, language, sociability, sentience, emotions, or any quality that has been put forth as a ground for human dignity. He terms the factor that is responsible for the dignity in mankind, the factor X. In other words, it is an ideology that each person holds. According to Fukushima, Jews, Christians, and Muslims share a common theme that the man is created in the image of God. This theory is the base for Factor X among those followers. Similarly, an atheist also has factor X, which can be a moral authority. Fukuyama is not against biotechnology. He is against violating the sacredness of humans. This concept might be abstract for scientists. Factor X cannot be calculated. It does not have that form that scientists would like to consider relevant. In fact, the concept of factor X is relevant to the person’s beliefs. Different belief systems generate different factor X’s. Such a thought might seem too spiritual for scientific study, but Fukuyama has dedicated his studies to preserve human sanctity. Francis Fukuyama, a bio–conservative, along with other writers such as George Annas, Leon Kass, Jeremy Rifkin, Bill McKibben, and Wesley Smith, opposed the use of technology to modify human nature. Fukuyama fears that the man's nature is the most precious thing that can be affected by the recent advances in human biotechnology.