So...De-extinction is the process of creating an organism which is – or greatly resembles – a member of an extinct species (1). Contemporary biotechnology offers various promising alternatives for achieving this purpose, including the techniques that have already been applied to preserving endangered species (2). De-extinction requires an in-depth study of the biophysical conditions where the species can live and reproduce in relation to other species – including humans – and adapt to the environmental changes. In any case, risk and harm evaluation on the impact of the “re-birth” of species is necessary. There is a number of crucial ethical issues concerning de-extinction. They include the meanings of concepts such as “nature,” “species,” “evolution,” “biodiversity,” “death,” and “wildlife” in relation to human behavior and human impact on nature (3). In 2013, de-extinction became popular through press and public events; the National Geographic devoted a cover story to this topic and presented various possibilities and scenarios about the most suitable candidates. The Revive & Restore network, with the support of TED and in partnership with the National Geographic Society, convened the TEDxDeExtinction conference bringing together conservationists, genetic technology practitioners, scientists, and ethicists (http://www.ted.com/tedx/events/7650). Because the revival of extinct animals inspires imagination (4), de-extinction has been a topic of science fiction novels, such as John Brosnan’s Carnosaur (1984) and Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park (1990) and their film adaptations.
Following a systematic philosophical and ethical analysis on animal de-extinction in the context of ecological restoration (3), this article analyzes de-extinction from the standpoint of bio-objectification and considers how de-extinction is a case of bio-objectification.
Son: Hello Dad, I am near Drama Theatre. It (1) is pouring with rain, and I
(2) haven't got any money.
Dad: What (3) do you want me to do about it?
Son: Could you come and pick me up?
Dad: You (4) are always asking. I (5) 'm feeling tired after my work.
Son: Please, Dad. I am tired and hungry. My evening classes (6) start at 7.00 and I have to be there on time. Can’t Mum come and get me?
Dad: The Ivanovs (7) are visiting us tonight and she is busy in the kitchen. She (8) is baking a cake at the moment.
Son: Please, Dad. I (9) am asking you to do this for me one last time. My mark actually (10) depends on you. I must come on time to give my presentation in class.
Dad: OK. I’ll be there in half an hour. But this is the last time. I (11) mean it!
