Cloning and Selfhood: Identity Conflict in Contemporary Society
This paper analyzes Roy Baumeister's framework of selfhood evolution to explore the bioethical implications of human cloning. Drawing on Baumeister's distinction between reflexive consciousness, interpersonal being, and executive function, the paper argues that contemporary selfhood can be understood through both physical and metaphysical dimensions. The author contends that cloning creates identity conflict if selfhood is defined by the body or both body and soul, but fosters social harmony if inner selfhood—the metaphysical "soul"—becomes the primary marker of identity. This analysis reveals how shifting definitions of the self in modern society fundamentally alter ethical responses to reproductive cloning.
- Introduction and Thesis: Introduces Baumeister's evolution of selfhood and frames cloning debate
- Baumeister's Framework of Selfhood: Explains reflexive consciousness, interpersonal being, and executive function
- The Constructed and Inner Self: Defines substantiated inner selfhood and metaphysical dimensions of identity
- Selfhood in Contemporary Times: Analyzes subjective selfhood and loss of moral consensus in modernity
- Cloning as Identity Crisis: Examines how cloning creates conflict when selfhood equals physical body
- Cloning and Inner Selfhood: Shows how prioritizing metaphysical self resolves cloning ethical tensions
- Conclusion: Conflict and Harmony: Synthesizes relationship between self-definition and cloning acceptance
✍️ How to write this paper — guide, tools & examples ▾
What makes this paper effective
- Clearly positions a controversial bioethical issue (cloning) within an established theoretical framework (Baumeister's selfhood model), creating a bridge between abstract philosophy and practical ethics.
- Systematically explains Baumeister's tripartite model of self-construction (reflexive consciousness, interpersonal being, executive function) before applying it to cloning, ensuring readers understand the theoretical foundation.
- Uses direct quotations from Baumeister to support each major claim, anchoring the analysis in textual evidence rather than speculation.
- Presents a nuanced argument that avoids simple condemnation of cloning; instead, the paper shows how ethical conclusions depend entirely on how a given society defines selfhood.
Key academic technique demonstrated
This paper demonstrates skilled application of theoretical frameworks to contemporary issues. Rather than arguing for or against cloning in abstract terms, the author uses Baumeister's evolutionary model of selfhood as a lens through which to evaluate cloning's impact. This approach—sometimes called "framework-based analysis"—allows the paper to show that the same technology can be ethically acceptable or harmful depending on how a culture conceptualizes identity. This technique moves beyond simple pro/con debate and reveals the deeper philosophical assumptions underlying bioethical positions.
Structure breakdown
The paper follows a classical analytical structure: introduction of the thesis, detailed explanation of the theoretical framework, application of theory to the case study, and conclusion. The middle sections methodically unpack Baumeister's argument about the evolution from collectivist to individualist societies and the emergence of "inner selfhood." Only after establishing this foundation does the paper pivot to cloning, ensuring that readers grasp why the definition of self matters to ethical analysis. The concluding sections present two scenarios—one where cloning creates conflict, one where it creates harmony—based on which dimension of selfhood a society privileges.
Introduction and Thesis
The development of human society has carried with it changes that greatly influenced the lives of people, specifically the individual. In Roy Baumeister's article, The Self and Society: Changes, Problems, and Opportunities, he discusses how, throughout history, humans have experienced an "evolution of the self." This social phenomenon can be linked to the changing priorities of people over periods of time, where a move from collectivism to individualism becomes apparent. Furthermore, he reflects on the kind of selfhood that existed before and exists today in contemporary times.
This paper examines Baumeister's essay in the context of one of the most controversial bioethical and social issues—that of human cloning. It discusses and analyzes how, given the author's parameters and definitions of the self or selfhood, he would evaluate the issue of cloning in contemporary or postmodern times. By linking Baumeister's essay with the issue of cloning, this paper argues that the contemporary perspective of selfhood can create both conflict and harmony between the individual and the clone.
Conflict arises because of the "duality" of the human body, which serves as the individual's physical manifestation of identity. Social harmony emerges because the contemporary perspective on selfhood extends to the substantial or metaphysical dimension of the self, which transcends physical appearance and focuses instead on the personality and "soul" of the individual. These positions are developed and supported by statements from Baumeister's essay.
Create your account
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.