The Value of Artefactual Organisms. (1st February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sandler, Ronald; Simons, Luke
• Is Part Of: Environmental values. Volume 21:Number 1(2012:Spring)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2012-02-01
• Subjects: Environmental ethics -- Periodicals; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; 179.105
• DOI: 10.3197/096327112X13225063227989
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-2719

Abstract

Synthetic biology makes use of genetic and other materials derived from modern biological life forms to design and construct novel synthetic organisms. Artificial organisms are not constructed from parts of existing biological organisms, but from non-biological materials. Artificial and synthetic organisms are artefactual organisms. Here we are concerned with the non-instrumental value of such organisms. More specifically, we are concerned with the extent to which artefactual organisms have natural value, inherent worth and intrinsic value. Our conclusions are largely supportive of the value of artefactual organisms. However, they do not constitute a comprehensive ethical evaluation of them.