Comparison and Contrast Essay
The research articles that will be used in this compare and contrast essay are based on stem cell research ethics. The two authors of the articles are scientists in the field of biotechnology which has created a lot of controversy regarding ethical and unethical issues. Therefore, the two articles are relevant for this compare/contrast essay due to presence of the same topic issue in the field of biotechnology.
Therefore, this is one similarity as the content of the articles is bound to be the same. Stem cell research is wide but the ethical component is unique as the same ethical issues raised in embryonic stem cell are the same as that of adult stem cell research. The two articles are different in the way in which the authors have introduced the topic. Biotechnology online (2010), offers a vivid description of the various definitions regarding stem cells, description of ethical issues as well as a profound view into every detail of the topic.
Siegel (2008) does not provide an introductory part containing definitions of the various terminologies used in the paper. Hence for an individual seeking an insight in the field of biotechnology who has never heard of the phrase again, the article by Biotechnology (2010) will be the best choice. Consequently, those who are conversant with the area may not need the definitions hence will prefer the Siegel (2008) article. The introductory format determines the scope of the research, as well as, the target reading group for whom the article is aimed.
The other difference is seen in the content that is present in both articles such that the article by Biotechnology online (2010) covers the areas of embryonic and adult stem cell while Siegel (2008) covers the embryonic part only. This leads to the fact that Siegel (2008) has fully exploited the topic while Biotechnology online (2010), has sparingly touched on both titles to avoid conflicts. However, the explicit manner in which Biotechnology online (2010) has included the two aspects leaves the reader fully equipped with ideologies concerning the two areas. This is a major difference between the two as most of the stem cell research work often circulates along the two topics. Their interrelationship creates no distinct boundaries between the two hence the tendency of authors to include the two in the same literary work.
Consequently, the information covered by both articles is different as Biotechnology online (2010) expounds on the ethical issues affecting stem cell research incorporating embryonic cells, as well as, research entailing adult stem cells. Siegel (2008) on the other hand identifies the ethical issues in the part of embryonic stem cells which is not as comprehensive as the areas covered by Biotechnology online (2010). The other contras entailing the information presented by both articles is the issue of human cloning.
Biotechnology online (2010) gives the relationship between stem cell research and human cloning as the two fields involve the same criterion used in stem cell research. Similarly, the ethical issue affecting stem cell research is also applicable in human cloning hence there was need to mention both to emphasize the connection. Siegel (2008) has not mentioned human cloning at any point of the article thus increasing the contrast in information contained in both articles.
The article by Siegel (2008) is biased as it provides only one dimension of the ethical issue surrounding the stem cell research. It creates so much fuss on the topic such that individual reading biotechnology information for the first time would think there was nothing positive in the research. On the other hand Biotechnology online (2010) provides insight on other benefits derived from the area as treatment of hereditary diseases is obtained through this procedure. Hence rather than pay much attention to the number of embryos being destroyed in the experimentation process, the number of human lives saved through the procedure is upheld.
In this case biotechnology online (2010) acknowledges the ethical issue but views the whole topic in a different angle as it does not criticize the experiments. The conclusion derived from the topic is inclined towards making the ethical issues less evil and in the long run support more research in the field to reduce deaths due to diseases that can be treated by stem cell research.
Reading one article does not provide sufficient information regarding the topic hence it is substantial that individuals seeking a more informative position should read the two articles together. This is enhanced by the fact that both complement each other and a comprehensive analysis of the two provides a clear view on the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. The other comparison entails the in depth examples provided by both articles such that the reader is able to relate with them to achieve a better understanding of the topic.
References
Biotechnology online (2010), ethics of stem cell research. Retrieved on July 12, 2010 from: www.biotechnologyonline.gov.au/human/ethicssc.html
Siegel, A (2008), ethics of stem cell research. Retrieved on July 12, 2010 from: lato.stanford.edu/entries/stem–cells/ –
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