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Animal Cloning and Mind Uploading. Ethics of Creating a Replica of Your Pet
Balistreri, Maurizio
2025
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Abstract
This article explores the morality of creating genetic or digital copies of pets. Through a cloning operation, a genetic copy of any individual can be created. The creation of a digital copy (of an individual), on the other hand, is possible in at least two different ways. First, we can create a digital copy (digital ghost) of an individual, transferring to this avatar information about his or her personality, memories, experiences, and other characteristics. The other way is to create a sim (whole brain emulation), i.e. a digital copy of a real person by scanning the internal struc-tures of his or her brain into a computer (mind uploading). We will first address the moral is-sues related to the cloning of animals, with particular attention to the health of the animals in-volved and the involvement of other animals in the intervention. We will then discuss some ob-jections against those who resort to cloning, focusing on the accusation that they disrespect the original animal and that, in any case, instead of bringing new individuals into the world, they should take care of existing animals. Finally, we will examine the moral implications of creating digital copies of animals. By analysing these issues, the article aims to offer a comprehensive view of the moral and social implications of cloning and digital replication of pets.
Publisher
EUT Edizioni Università di Trieste
Source
Maurizio Balistreri, "Animal Cloning and Mind Uploading. Ethics of Creating a Replica of Your Pet" in: "Etica & Politica / Ethics & Politics (2025) XXVII/2", EUT Edizioni Università di Trieste, Trieste, 2025, pp. 93-110
Languages
en
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
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