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Abortion and the human animal
1Department of Philosophy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. tollefsen@sc.edu
Christian Bioethics
|January 29, 2005
Summary
This paper explores animalism as a unifying philosophical concept in abortion debates, examining its connection to our animal nature and physical embodiment. It also analyzes the absence of privacy rights in recent discussions and addresses moral deterioration arguments.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Bioethics
- Moral Philosophy
- Feminist Philosophy
Background:
- Recent abortion discussions lack a unifying philosophical framework.
- The concepts of animal nature and physical embodiment are increasingly relevant.
- The traditional 'right to privacy' argument is less prominent in contemporary debates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose 'animalism' as a philosophical concept that connects diverse trends in abortion discourse.
- To analyze the reasons behind the diminished emphasis on the right to privacy in abortion debates.
- To critically evaluate Patrick Lee's claims regarding the moral deterioration associated with abortion.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of contemporary abortion literature.
- Conceptual examination of 'animalism' and its implications.
- Critical engagement with ethical arguments concerning abortion.
Main Results:
- Animalism offers a coherent philosophical lens for understanding recent abortion discussions.
- The shift away from privacy rights reflects evolving societal and philosophical perspectives.
- Lee's claim about moral deterioration warrants further philosophical scrutiny.
Conclusions:
- Animalism provides a novel and unifying perspective on abortion ethics.
- Understanding the philosophical underpinnings of abortion debates requires considering embodiment and our animal nature.
- Future discussions should address the evolving role of privacy and moral consequences in abortion ethics.