Artifacts, intentions, and contraceptives: the problem with having a plan B for plan B

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of technology
• Medical ethics
• Philosophy of action

Background:

• Artifacts are often understood through human intentions.
• The use of artifacts in intentional action is a complex philosophical area.
• Medical devices and emergency contraception raise specific ethical and intentionality questions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how embedded intentions in artifacts influence user actions.
• To analyze the intentionality of actions involving medical devices.
• To examine the implications for emergency contraceptive devices and their effects.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical argumentation based on the concept of embedded intentions.
• Analysis of artifact use within the framework of intentional action.
• Case study focusing on medical devices and emergency contraception.

Main Results:

• Artifacts possess antecedent embedded intentions that can compel user intentions.
• Using artifacts may lead users to intend descriptions of actions they might otherwise not.
• If emergency contraception has an abortifacient effect, it is not typically a side effect.

Conclusions:

• The intentionality of actions involving artifacts, particularly medical devices, is shaped by the artifact's design.
• Understanding embedded intentions is crucial for analyzing the ethics of medical device use.
• The debate on emergency contraception's effects must consider the intentionality of its use and potential outcomes.