Abortion: Warren and McMahan Philosophy 203

Flashcards covering the arguments of Warren and McMahan on the topic of abortion and fetal moral status.

Moral Status of the Fetus

Refers to whether the fetus has rights and the basis for those rights, distinguishing them from the rights of adult persons.

Key Considerations Regarding Abortion

Include the nature of the fetus, its moral status, the definition of abortion (whether it constitutes murder), and the rights of the pregnant person in relation to the fetus.

Warren's Argument Against the Morality of Killing a Fetus

Premise 1: It is wrong to kill an innocent human being. Premise 2: Fetuses are innocent human beings. Conclusion: Therefore, it is wrong to kill fetuses.

Warren's Distinction Between Senses of 'Human Being'

Distinguishes between the moral sense (personhood, intrinsic worth, rights) and the genetic sense (biological classification as human).

Warren's Central Characteristics for Moral Personhood

Consciousness, reasoning, self-motivated activity, capacity to communicate, and presence of self-concepts.

Warren's Argument on Fetal Moral Status

Claims that since a fetus meets none of the listed characteristics, it does not have the moral status of a person, thus abortion is permissible.

Criticisms of Warren's Argument

Many adults with mental and physical challenges, small children, and babies may not meet the majority of Warren's criteria for personhood.

McMahan's Focus

Concerned with differences in capacity and how they affect moral worth, especially between early and late-term abortions.

McMahan's Question on Harm in Abortion

Addresses who exactly is harmed by an abortion, suggesting early abortions may not harm anyone due to the fetus lacking identity.

McMahan's View on Consciousness in Fetuses

Suggests no real consciousness exists before 20-24 weeks, implying there is no 'someone' present in the womb before that point.

McMahan on the Wrong of Murder

Understands the wrong of murder as destroying a victim’s ability to pursue their time-relative interests.