Contemporary Moral Problems

Novy SP08

Précis for Noonan’s “An almost absolute value in history”

The business of a moralist is to draw lines – to determine objective & reasonable markers with which to distinguish between groups worthy of different moral concern

Thesis: Abortion is morally impermissible in all but a few extreme situations

Negative Claim: Elimination argument 1. We ought to protect “humanity” 2. “Humanity” must be gained at some time 3. It must begin at one of the following: a. Viability, b. Sentience, c. Sentiment, d. Quickening, e. Social Visibility, f. Conception 4. Not (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) 5. \The “humanity” of the begins at (f) 6. \We ought to protect the being from the moment of conception

Positive Claim: Change in potentiality 1. We ought to protect “humanity” 2. “Humanity” must be gained at some time 3. Adult humans have has “humanity” 4. Chance of becoming an adult human for a particular a. sperm: 1 in 200,000,000 b. oocyte: 1 in 2,500 c. zygote: 4 in 5 5. There is a large and objective difference in these probabilities 6. \This difference ought to serve as the basis for a moral distinction 7. \We ought to protect the zygote 8. \We should prohibit abortion

What’s so special about the “moment of conception?”

1. Conception is when the being gains a human genetic code

2. The human genetic code is necessary to being a human

3. \ Conception is a necessary step to becoming human

Why an “almost” absolute value in history?

1. If only the conceptus’ interests are considered, there would be no abortion

2. The interests of the pregnant woman must also to be considered

3. If interests conflict, we need a resolution that respects both parties as fully as possible

a. Love thy neighbor as thyself / Do not injure others without reason

b. Doctrine of Double Effect

4. \ Abortion is permissible with good reason – but there are very few such reasons