Summary Trends in Stem Cell Biology
2023-2024
Gert-Jan Wiggers
1
,Table of contents
Ethical theories: introduction ................................................................................................................. 3
Epigenetics and pluripotency in mouse stem cells ................................................................................. 5
Reprogramming to induce pluripotency ............................................................................................... 22
Hematopoietic stem cells ..................................................................................................................... 39
Stem cells in neurobiology – Personalized brain organoids .................................................................. 59
Epidermal keratinocytes in treatment .................................................................................................. 75
2
,Ethical theories: introduction
Demarcation problem is the philosophical challenge
to develop a coherent distinction between science
and pseudoscience.
Norms are based on our values and determine what
‘our’ demarcation problem is. Values are non-
epistemic.
Informed consent.
Subjectivism in ethics
Ethical subjectivism is the idea that moral opinions are based on our feelings and nothing more. On
this view, there is no such thing as ‘’objective’’ right and wrong.
What are ethical theories?
Explain what makes an action right or wrong. Ethical theories vs particular ethical judgements.
Analogy with scientific theories and observations.
Ethics are not the same as morals. Ethics is not the same as law!
Some kinds of ethical theory
- Consequentialism
- Deontology
- Virtue ethics
- Contractarianism
- Natural law
- Relativism
3
, Consequentialism
The rightness/wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences. Action → result.
Example: utilitarianism
The right action is the one that promotes the greatest happiness of the greatest number (maximizes
social utility).
Another example ethical egoism.
The right action is the one that promotes the greatest happiness of the agent (maximizes the agent’s
utility).
Capitalism is a political example of ethical egoism.
Deontology
The rightness/wrongness of an action is determined by inherent features of the action itself, or by an
inherently valid rule. Rule → action.
If an action is of the wrong kind, it is forbidden, no matter how good its consequences are. Rejects
both utilitarianism and ethical egoism. ‘’the end doesn’t justify the means.’’
Example: kantianism
Right actions must be universalizable and must treat rational agents as ends, not mere means (trade-
offs forbidden) → Immanual Kant.
Universalizability must be possible to will the principle of your action for everybody without
inconsistency. Lying violates universalizability because lying presupposes and exploits a general
practice of telling the truth.
Ends, not mere means: don’t treat rational agents (other or yourself) as mere objects to be used or
exploited. Personhood is the basis of ethical value and cant be subordinated to other values. Mustn’t
sacrifice the few even to benefit the many.
Divine command ethics
What makes an action right is the fact that god commands it.
Virtue ethics
The rightness/wrongness of an action is determined by the character traits it expresses. Character →
action. Emphasize what kind of person you should be.
Examples: Aristotelianism, Confucianism
4
2023-2024
Gert-Jan Wiggers
1
,Table of contents
Ethical theories: introduction ................................................................................................................. 3
Epigenetics and pluripotency in mouse stem cells ................................................................................. 5
Reprogramming to induce pluripotency ............................................................................................... 22
Hematopoietic stem cells ..................................................................................................................... 39
Stem cells in neurobiology – Personalized brain organoids .................................................................. 59
Epidermal keratinocytes in treatment .................................................................................................. 75
2
,Ethical theories: introduction
Demarcation problem is the philosophical challenge
to develop a coherent distinction between science
and pseudoscience.
Norms are based on our values and determine what
‘our’ demarcation problem is. Values are non-
epistemic.
Informed consent.
Subjectivism in ethics
Ethical subjectivism is the idea that moral opinions are based on our feelings and nothing more. On
this view, there is no such thing as ‘’objective’’ right and wrong.
What are ethical theories?
Explain what makes an action right or wrong. Ethical theories vs particular ethical judgements.
Analogy with scientific theories and observations.
Ethics are not the same as morals. Ethics is not the same as law!
Some kinds of ethical theory
- Consequentialism
- Deontology
- Virtue ethics
- Contractarianism
- Natural law
- Relativism
3
, Consequentialism
The rightness/wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences. Action → result.
Example: utilitarianism
The right action is the one that promotes the greatest happiness of the greatest number (maximizes
social utility).
Another example ethical egoism.
The right action is the one that promotes the greatest happiness of the agent (maximizes the agent’s
utility).
Capitalism is a political example of ethical egoism.
Deontology
The rightness/wrongness of an action is determined by inherent features of the action itself, or by an
inherently valid rule. Rule → action.
If an action is of the wrong kind, it is forbidden, no matter how good its consequences are. Rejects
both utilitarianism and ethical egoism. ‘’the end doesn’t justify the means.’’
Example: kantianism
Right actions must be universalizable and must treat rational agents as ends, not mere means (trade-
offs forbidden) → Immanual Kant.
Universalizability must be possible to will the principle of your action for everybody without
inconsistency. Lying violates universalizability because lying presupposes and exploits a general
practice of telling the truth.
Ends, not mere means: don’t treat rational agents (other or yourself) as mere objects to be used or
exploited. Personhood is the basis of ethical value and cant be subordinated to other values. Mustn’t
sacrifice the few even to benefit the many.
Divine command ethics
What makes an action right is the fact that god commands it.
Virtue ethics
The rightness/wrongness of an action is determined by the character traits it expresses. Character →
action. Emphasize what kind of person you should be.
Examples: Aristotelianism, Confucianism
4
