Book SummaryThings That Matter, by Charles Krauthammer

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Things That Matter

Ethical Debates on Cloning and Embryonic Cells

Krauthammer delves into the ethical complexities surrounding research involving stem cells and cloning, dissecting the pros and cons of both research and reproductive cloning. He argues that while reproductive human duplication is widely condemned, duplication for research presents a more nuanced ethical dilemma, prompting a deeper examination of embryos' moral status and the potential consequences of their manipulation.

Ethical Concerns About Destroying Embryos for Scientific Studies

Krauthammer acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding the destruction of embryos for research, recognizing two main lines of objection: the inherent value of embryos and the potential for dangerous applications of the technology.

The Moral Standing of Human Embryos as Beings Deserving Protection

Krauthammer dissects the idea that embryos, from the moment of conception, possess personhood and therefore intrinsic worth, deserving equal moral and legal regard as any human being. He asserts that while this viewpoint carries significant moral weight, it is ultimately unprovable and rooted in metaphysical beliefs. Krauthammer personally disagrees with this perspective, asserting his belief that personhood starts later than conception and a single cell does not warrant the same moral or legal status as a child. While acknowledging the awe-inspiring nature of embryonic development, he argues that awe does not necessarily equate to inviolability, drawing parallels with other awe-inspiring natural phenomena like a deep canyon or a spider's web, which we are willing to manipulate for human benefit.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer with organizations that deal with reproductive rights or bioethics to gain firsthand experience with the practical implications of differing views on personhood and conception. By working with these groups, you can see how abstract concepts translate into real-world policies and actions, which can inform your own opinions and actions on the matter.
• Create a personal ethics charter that outlines your beliefs and how they translate into actions. For instance, if you believe in the intrinsic worth of embryos, consider how this belief affects your choices and behaviors, such as your stance on related political issues or your support for specific research initiatives. This charter serves as a guide for making decisions that align with your metaphysical beliefs.
• Engage in conversations with people who have different views on personhood to broaden your perspective. Start by asking friends or family members about their beliefs and why they hold them, ensuring to listen without judgment. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the diverse beliefs surrounding personhood and help you articulate and refine your own position.
• Engage with interactive online simulations of embryonic development. Websites and apps offer virtual experiences where you can manipulate variables and watch how they affect development. This hands-on approach can give you a more profound appreciation for the delicate balance and complexity of life's beginnings.
• Engage in a monthly "Awe Swap" with friends or family where each person shares something that recently made them feel awe. This could be a personal story, a piece of music, a work of art, or a natural phenomenon. By sharing and discussing these experiences, you cultivate a community that appreciates the diverse sources of awe in everyday life, demonstrating that awe is a shared experience and not something that is beyond reach or everyday understanding.
• You can explore the concept of manipulation for benefit by starting a small garden. By understanding how to shape the growth of plants, you're engaging with the idea that natural phenomena can be directed for human use. For example, you might use pruning techniques to influence the shape and fruit production of a tree, or companion planting to naturally deter pests and improve plant health.

Concerns About Commercial Use of Human Embryos

Krauthammer highlights the concern that routinely making embryos only to destroy them for research purposes could lead to the commodification and commercialization of humanity. He argues that cloning for research purposes, unlike IVF, involves the deliberate creation of embryos for the sole purpose of exploitation and destruction, ultimately reducing them to mere "things" and desensitizing us to the value of human life. This desensitization, he argues, could erode the moral safeguards surrounding genetic research, leading to a slippery slope where the distinction between acceptable and unacceptable experimentation becomes increasingly blurred. He draws parallels with the creation of a "ghoulish enterprise" of embryo manufacture, where nascent human life is produced solely for the extraction of valuable components, raising concerns about the potential for an industry built on the systematic exploitation of human embryos.

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Things That Matter Summary A Unipolar System and American Hegemony After the Cold War

Krauthammer asserts that the collapse of the Soviet Union marked the beginning of a unipolar world order with the United States standing as the sole superpower, a situation unprecedented since the fall of Rome. He explores the implications of this unique position, dissecting the various schools of thought regarding America's role in this new world order: isolationism, liberal internationalism, and realism.

America's Position as the Sole Superpower

Krauthammer underscores America's unique position as the sole superpower in a world where no other nation is on par with its unmatched military, economic, and political power. He asserts that this dominance is unlike any previous empire due to America's lack of hunger for territorial expansion and its commercial republic nature. He emphasizes the accidental nature of this hegemony, attributing it to the self-destruction of Europe during the 1900s and the collapse of the USSR. This unparalleled worldwide influence, he argues, places unique burdens and responsibilities on America, positioning it as the focal point for nations seeking assistance or intervention.

Unchallenged American Military, Economic, and Global...

Things That Matter Summary Tension Between Liberalism in International Relations and a Realistic Foreign Policy

Krauthammer dissects the fundamental tension between international liberalism and realist foreign policy, exploring the core tenets of each school and critiquing their shortcomings. He argues that liberal internationalism, while idealistic in its quest for a rules-based global community, often fails to account for the realities of power politics. Conversely, he argues that realism, while providing a more accurate perspective on the global structure, can be too cynical and lacking in a moral vision for U.S. international relations.

Liberal Internationalists Envision a Rules-Based Global Community

Krauthammer explores the liberal internationalist vision of a rules-based global community, a vision rooted in the belief that the international system can be transformed into a more peaceful and cooperative order through the establishment of international institutions and the enforcement of international law. He points to the writings of thinkers like Cordell Hull, who envisioned a reality where traditional notions like influential spheres and power equilibrium become obsolete, replaced by a system of norms and institutions designed to promote peace and cooperation between...

Things That Matter Summary U.S. Policy Challenges in the 2000s

Krauthammer outlines the major policy challenges facing the United States in the 21st century, focusing on the tension between domestic spending priorities and the necessity of preserving military strength and power projection capabilities. He also addresses the threat of WMD proliferation, exploring the various policy approaches for confronting this looming danger.

Balancing Social Programs With Military Readiness and Demonstrating Power

Krauthammer argues that America faces a difficult challenge in balancing the demands of its expansive social programs with the necessity of keeping a robust military for global influence. He warns against the allure of the social democracy found in Europe, which, while providing a high level of social services, has resulted in diminished economic dynamism and a near-total reliance on the U.S. for security.

Tradeoffs Between Domestic Priorities and Defense Expenditures

Krauthammer highlights the unavoidable trade-offs between domestic spending priorities and defense allocations, arguing that pursuing a European-style social democratic model could result in a reduction of American military capabilities and global influence. He...