Q&A #3: Euthanasia

1. Read: Chapters 4 & 5.

Questions.  

Tooley:

1. Distinguish voluntary, non-voluntary, and involuntary euthanasia.

2. Why does Tooley claim Callahan's notion of euthanasia is overly narrow?

3. How does Tooley reject the "divine ownership objection"?

4. How does Tooley define the "moral wrongness" of actions?

5. Are the acts of killing and letting die significantly morally different?

6. How does Tooley avoid the "slippery slope" arguments against the direct killing of innocents?

7. Should VAE be legalized?  If so, who should be authorized to commit VAE?

Reminder: Deadlines for MSCRE

 1. One (declarative) sentence thesis statement, due: 2/5. I will not accept for any credit essays composed on unapproved topics. Students missing this deadline will have one letter grade subtracted from their final grade for the project. (Example, a “B” essay received on the final class from a student who fails to meet deadline #1 will receive a “C.”)

2. Outline and tentative bibliography, due: 2/24. Students missing this deadline will have one letter grade subtracted from their final grade for the project.

3. Initial draft of essay, due: 4/9. Students missing this deadline will have one letter grade subtracted from their final grade for the project.

4. Final version of essay: due on the final day of class.

Assignment #2: Abortion

1. Read: Chapters 2 & 3.

Questions for consideration/discussion on Monday:

Lee & George:

1. Are human embryos human beings?

2. What distinguishes the dualistic and evaluative versions of the "no-person" arguments in favor of abortion?

3. What are the implications of the gradualistic (changes in degree) nature of emerging capacities for the treatment of embryos/fetuses?

4. Must full parental responsibilities (and human obligations to others generally) be voluntarily assumed?

5. Is the harm of death (to the fetus) a (much, according to our authors) greater harm than a continued, unwanted pregnancy?

Little:

1. Why does Little suggest that expanding our view of morality beyond rights to value is the key to understanding the moral status of the developing fetus and our attendant obligations?

2. Why does Little see it as dangerously misleading to describe a fetus as a "potential person."

3. On what basis does Little characterize abortions as "letting die" (and, therefore, not a "wrongful killing," or murder).

4. How does Little describe and employ "norms of responsible creation"?

5. How does Little defend the "decency" of abortion while maintaining "respect for burgeoning life and creation"?

Assignment #1: Darwall's introductory chapter; handouts, syllabus

Things to do:

1. Review Handouts CPE, BR, MSCRE, and the syllabus.

2. Purchase a copy of the text.

3. Read: Darwall, Chapter 1.

Questions/topics for discussion:

1. Create a flow chart identifying (Darwall's conception of) the various branches/components of philosophical ethics.

2. What's the difference between the theories of contractarianism and contractualism?

3. How do consequentialism and deontology distinguish the "right" and the "good"?

4. How do virtue theorists differ from consequentialists and deontologists?

5. Research and comment on "care" ethics.