Assess the merits of the various arguments that seek to establish that abortion is immoral (Chapter 12). Which of these arguments do you think is strongest, and why? Do you think it ultimately succeeds? Why or why not?
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The Argument from Potentiality: This argument claims that a fetus has the potential to become a person with moral rights, and therefore, abortion is immoral because it denies the fetus the opportunity to fulfill its potential. This argument is based on the belief Show more…
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Explain why the concept of person is so important to the abortion debate. Do you think the moral acceptability of abortion hinges on whether the fetus is a person or not? Do you think Death with Dignity-style laws that are now legal in about 10 states should be legal nationwide? Do you think that they go too far, not far enough, or are they just right? Give reasons/arguments for your position.
Adi S.
please me write an introduction about why should I am against abortion? it for philosophy class
Supreeta N.
Why Abortion is Immoral by Don Marquis What is Marquis' argument against abortion? In his essay "Why Abortion is Immoral," Don Marquis presents a compelling argument against the morality of abortion. He begins by acknowledging that the debate surrounding abortion often focuses on the rights of the fetus and the rights of the mother. However, Marquis argues that this approach overlooks the fundamental issue at hand - the wrongness of killing. Marquis asserts that killing is wrong because it deprives individuals of their valuable futures. He argues that what makes killing morally wrong is not the act of killing itself, but rather the effect it has on the victim. When a person is killed, they are robbed of all the experiences, activities, and accomplishments that would have constituted their future life. This loss of a valuable future is what makes killing morally reprehensible. Applying this reasoning to the abortion debate, Marquis contends that fetuses also possess a valuable future. Although they may not have developed the same level of consciousness or self-awareness as adults, they still have the potential to experience a wide range of activities and accomplishments. By terminating a pregnancy through abortion, Marquis argues that we are depriving the fetus of its valuable future and committing a morally wrong act. Marquis' argument against abortion is distinct from other common arguments, such as those based on the rights of the mother or the personhood of the fetus. Instead, he focuses on the inherent wrongness of killing and applies this principle to the abortion debate. By emphasizing the value of a future life, Marquis presents a thought-provoking perspective on the morality of abortion.
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