Moral Philosophy of Abortion

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from a moral philosophy discussion on abortion, with a focus on arguments for and against abortion and ethical considerations.

FLO Theory

The argument that the wrongness of killing is based on depriving an individual of a future like ours (Future Like Ours).

Right to Life

The entitlement of a being, typically humans, to not be killed unjustly.

Personhood

A morally relevant status that indicates whether an entity possesses rights and moral considerations.

Anti-abortion Argument

The viewpoint that fetuses are human and, therefore, have a right to life.

Pro-choice Argument

The perspective that emphasizes a woman's right to control her own body over the rights of a fetus.

Considered Judgment Argument

The claim that the FLO account aligns with our intuitions about the misfortunes of death.

Potentiality Argument

The assertion that a fetus's potential to develop into a person grants it a right to life.

Misfortune of Death

The deprivation of an individual’s future and experiences that makes premature death wrong.

Judith Thomson's Violinist Analogy

An argument that illustrates bodily autonomy by comparing a pregnancy to being connected to a famous violinist for survival.

Contractarian Morality

A moral framework that bases moral obligations on agreements or contracts formed within society.