Rutgers University Libraries: Subject Research Guides: Philosophy: Ethical and Religious Issues in Stem Cell Research

Tom Izbicki
Humanities Librarian
tizbicki@rci.rutgers.edu
February 2008

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:

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Some entries under Ethics, Biomedical.

Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy
ALEX REF B51 .R68 1998
Under Bioethics and related topics.

New Catholic Encyclopedia [Rutgers Restricted]
Use related terms like Abortion.

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:

Lexis Nexis Academic [Rutgers Restricted]
Select the News tab.

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: