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Abstract:
Can
cloned
hwnans
form
identity?
Using
Habermas'
reflections
on
biogenetic
techniques
as
an
example,
the
paper
argues
that
critiques
of
reproductive
cloning
tend
to
overrate
the
formative
power
of
genes
and
underrate
the
subjective
contribution
to
the
constitution
of
identity.
Unintentionally
this
strengthens
a deterministic
concept
of
human
beings
as
suggested
in
(popularized
versions
of)
sociobiology,
behaVioral
genetics,
and
brain
research.
Empirical
data
are
presented
to
show
that
uniqueness
and
autonomy
-
the
core
aspects
of
personal
identity
-
cannot
be
experienced
from
the
third-
person
perspective
of
an
objective
observer,
but
only
from
the
&st-
person
participant's
perspective.
The
feeling
of
uniqueness
does
not
depend
on
knowing
that
one's
genes
are
matchless;
the
experience
of
autonomy
is
not
endangered
by
knowing
that
one's
genes
have
been
manipulated.
Instead,
both
derive
from
willingly
affirmed
commitments
to
values
or
ideals.
