PHI 237 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Fetus
13 Aug 2017
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Thomson addresses a particular kind of moral status claim. Fetuses have a right to life because they are persons. Thomson denies the distinction between killing and letting die. Mcmahan"s doing vs. allowing defense of the distinction (pro-distinction, this is different than killing and letting die, intent is what is important) Focusing on the more general aspect explains mercy killings. Fetus is person fetus has a right to life abortion violates right to life. Fatal violinist case: if you don"t unplug, you will soon die. Tiny house case: if you don"t kill, you will be crushed to death. You are permitted to kill the growing person. Personhood is irrelevant mother would be permitted to save herself. [abortion] may not be performed by a third party, but only by the mother herself . Perhaps third parties cannot intervene out of impartiality. Coat thief case: if smith owns the coat, then it is not impartial to do nothing.
