Revisiting the argument from fetal potential

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Moral Philosophy
• Reproductive Ethics

Background:

• The argument from potential is a key ethical consideration in abortion debates.
• Philosophical critiques by Peter Singer and David Boonin challenge the significance of fetal potential.
• Reconciling fetal potential with personal identity is crucial for abortion morality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To defend the argument from potential regarding abortion morality.
• To critically analyze and refute existing objections to fetal potential.
• To establish the proper role of fetal potential within ethical arguments about abortion.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical argumentation and critical analysis of existing literature.
• Deconstruction of arguments by Peter Singer and David Boonin.
• Exploration of personal identity theories in relation to fetal development.

Main Results:

• Classical arguments against fetal potential are found to be flawed.
• Fetal potential is deemed morally relevant to abortion ethics.
• The relevance of fetal potential is contingent upon resolving personal identity questions.

Conclusions:

• A robust defense of the argument from potential is presented.
• The moral status of abortion requires addressing personal identity.
• Fetal potential's moral weight is clarified within a framework of personal identity.