Research Resources:
Subject Research Guides:
Philosophy:
Ethical and Religious Issues in Stem Cell Research
The ethical and religious issues involved in the use of embryonic stem cells can be tracked in two ways.
One is the finding books and articles; the other is by tracking public statements on the issue.
Finding Books in IRIS
Search Words Anywhere in combination in Advanced search (e.g, stem cells and ethics).
Search Subject begins with (e.g, stem cells research moral and ethical aspects).
Note that the word "embryonic" is not always used in catalog records.
Finding articles, especially in one of these indexes online
ATLA Religion Index [Rutgers Restricted]
The premier Religion index with some full-text - use terms like stem cells or biomedical research.
Philosopher's Index [Rutgers Restricted]
The major index of philosophical articles - use terms like stem cell [singular] or
embryo combined with terms like ethics.
Ethics Updates
Includes current opinion on ethical issues - use keywords like embryonic stem cells.
Defining Terms
Use an encyclopedia of Philosophy or Religion, such as:
Encyclopedia of Bioethics [Rutgers Restricted]
Electronic version of the 5 volume 3rd edition "covering a wealth of topics on the ethics of health professions, animal research, population control and the environment, the set helps researchers to consider the impact of new scientific knowledge and its potential to harm or benefit present and future generations."
Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research [Rutgers Restricted]
"Provides a clear understanding of the basic concepts in stem cell biology and addresses the politics, ethics, and challenges currently facing the field."
Encyclopedia of Science and Religion [Rutgers Restricted]
"Addresses the interactions, contradictions, and tensions between science and religion, both historically and in contemporary life. The set examines technologies like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and continuing developments in neurophysiology against the backdrop of deeply-held religious beliefs. In addition, phenomena such as the Church of Scientology are also studied, along with more traditional issues, such as the origins of life, the nature of sin, and the philosophy of science and religion." An electronic version of the 2 volume resource.
New Catholic Encyclopedia [Rutgers Restricted]
Use related terms like Abortion.
Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy
ALEX REF B51 .R68 1998
Under Bioethics and related topics.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Some entries under Ethics, Biomedical.
Finding Opinions
Many opinions are expressed on this topic with varying viewpoints. These can be found through articles in
the indexes listed above. They also can be found in News sources like:
Many opinions expressed by organizations or individuals can be found on their websites. Be sure to
identify the ideology of the sponsoring body or individual opinion behind any one statement on the World
Wide Web.
Some places to start:
