Lo sfondo del liberalismo e gli inizi della vita umana

The article suggests to consider bioethical issues related to the beginning of hu- man life against the background of contemporary liberal culture, redescribed through a contrast with pre-modern teleological views and with early modern views. Whereas the first are unable to articulate contemporary moral culture be- cause of their lack of the modern notions of freedom, equality and independence, the latter require a revision as they do not have a place for the crucial role of hu- man nature in shaping our concepts tied to birth and procreation. The contrast between liberals and conservatives is thus also redescribed and this may allow a different way of treating issues at the beginning of life.