In Defence of Aestheticism

This chapter draws together the various sources of aesthetic value presented in earlier chapters of the book and articulates how together they allow us to experience the entire world as aesthetically valuable. This chapter is intended as a consolidated defence of the core aestheticist position, and can be read relatively independently of the rest of the book. Comparisons are made to historical defences of Aestheticism from Saint Augustine and Nietzsche. Various criticisms of Aestheticism that have come up over the course of the book are addressed, including the ethical objection that we ought not to aesthetically appreciate certain things; the objection that some things are ugly; and the objection that aesthetic value is too subjective. In addition to the intrinsic benefits of Aestheticism, it is then noted that the pursuit of aesthetic value has practical benefits. Most of all, it motivates us to understand the world better. In this way, Aestheticism is an important stimulus to science and philosophy.

Is there a valid ethical objection to the clinical use of in vitro-derived gametes?

Advancements in the field of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) have led to the induction of viable germ cells from stem cells in the mouse, and considerable progress has been made towards achieving the same ends using human cells. While this has the potential to revolutionise reproductive therapies, ethical issues have been raised. This essay outlines the importance of distinguishing between safety concerns and ethical objections when considering whether IVG ought to be permitted for use in human reproduction. The strongest ethical objections against reproductive IVG posed in the literature are then put forth and argued against. Four objections are discussed: the argument that it is ethically suspect due to its facilitation of new kinds of parenthood; the argument that it could supposedly encourage embryo farming, selective breeding and designer baby creation; the slippery slope argument; and the argument from natural law. It is concluded that even the strongest of these arguments does not represent a valid ethical objection to the use of IVG in human reproduction. For this reason, it is proposed that IVG ought to be used in the clinic once safety issues have been overcome.

A Retrospective Controlled Study of Leucotomy in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders

The controlled study of the major physical treatments in schizophrenia (and other psychiatric conditions) has been retarded by the view that it is unethical to withhold treatment from the patient. Although this argument is clearly dubious until a treatment is proved, the number of forward-looking controlled studies of E.C.T., insulin coma therapy and leucotomy may nevertheless be counted on the fingers of two hands. Not all schizophrenics have, however, received every possible treatment, and if it were possible to make comparisons of treated and untreated cases retrospectively, there would be no ethical objection to overcome.