Pregnancy Ethics
A professor in a college ethics class presented his students with a problem. He said, “A man has syphilis and his wife has tuberculosis. They have had four children: one has died, the other three have what is considered to be a terminal illness. The mother is pregnant. What do you recommend?” After a spirited discussion, the majority of the class voted that she abort the child. “Fine,” said the professor. “You’ve just killed Beethoven.”
-HIS magazine, February 1984-
posted by Doug E. @ 9:53 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
I don't like that argument; i.e. the argument that Beethoven was killed, because it presupposes that a person's value is tied to their "functionality" and their contribution to society (such as Beethoven's music).
I've never heard this scenario given, and the "punch line being": 'Fine . . .', 'You've just killed a retarded baby'! ;-)
Very good point Bobby! I agree fully. What I do like about the argument (if it even is one), is that it addresses those who think they can predict the future by circumstances (play God).
Point well said though,
Doug
I agree with you on the "future" aspect, Doug! This scenario is probably more rhetoric, than a finely tuned argument!
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