Logic and Ethical Issues: Consent, Euthanasia, Abortion

Argument

A set of premises leading to a conclusion.

Premise

A statement supporting the argument's conclusion.

Conclusion

The statement derived from premises in an argument.

Valid Argument

An argument where if premises are true, conclusion must be.

Invalid Argument

An argument where premises can be true, but conclusion false.

True Statement

A statement that accurately reflects reality or facts.

False Statement

A statement that does not accurately reflect reality or facts.

Sound Argument

A valid argument with all true premises.

Unsound Argument

An argument that is either invalid or has false premises.

Implicit Premise

An unstated assumption necessary for argument validity.

Consent

Agreement or permission for something to happen.

Informed Consent

Consent given with full understanding of implications.

Voluntary Consent

Consent given freely without coercion or pressure.

Competence

The mental capacity to make informed decisions.

Active Euthanasia

Directly causing death to relieve suffering.

Passive Euthanasia

Withholding treatment to allow natural death.

The Bare Difference Argument

Claims no moral difference between killing and letting die.

Action vs. Inaction Objection

Challenges the moral equivalence of action and inaction.

Rachels' Response

Argues that killing can be morally preferable to letting die.

Violinist Analogy

Thomson's argument about bodily autonomy and rights.

Right to Life

The entitlement to live without interference.

Marquis's Argument

Claims abortion is wrong because it deprives a future.

Sinnott-Armstrong's Objection

Challenges Marquis by questioning the value of future life.