2 - Euthanasia & genetic engineering Flashcards

Question

What is Jeff McMahan's main argument about the wrongness of having a child with disability?

Answer 1

It is wrong to cause an already born child to become disabled It is wrong to cause a future child to be disabled through the infliction of prenatal injury Therefore, it is wrong to cause a disabled child to exist. Conclusion: Therefore if prenatal screening detects a disability in the fetus, the fetus must be aborted McMahan ends off however by stating that he thinks it is morally and strategically better for disabled people and their advocates to focus their efforts on positive proposals such as the ones of parents proposing a cure for disabilities over stigmatizing and seeking to restrict or suppress practices such as screening and selection

Answer 2

Disability is not a loss in any respect of QoL (quality of life) (the mere difference view) - Disability is merely a difference not a disadvantage - It is a difference such as people have different hair colours

Answer 3

He argues that there is no significant moral difference between the two, and in some cases, active euthanasia may be more humane than passive euthanasia.

Answer 4

Rachels uses another hypothetical scenario involving two men, Smith and Jones, who both stand to gain a large inheritance if their six-year-old cousin dies. Smith actively drowns the cousin, while Jones plans to do the same but finds the cousin already drowning and passively allows him to die. Rachels points out that morally, there is no difference between Smith's and Jones's actions, suggesting a parallel to active and passive euthanasia.

Answer 5

He argues that consent is a fundamental principle that respects individual autonomy and the right to self-determination. In the context of end-of-life decisions, consent is crucial in legitimizing actions that would otherwise be considered morally and legally problematic. He emphasizes that true consent must be informed, voluntary, and given by a competent individual. In end-of-life decisions, ensuring that patients fully understand the implications of their choices is essential for ethical decision-making.

Answer 6

Harris questions the moral distinction between killing (active euthanasia) and letting die (passive euthanasia). He suggests that the intention behind the action (i.e., to end suffering) is morally more significant than the method used.

Answer 7

This argument posits that allowing these practices will lead to a gradual erosion of moral standards, potentially leading to non-consensual euthanasia. Harris counters this argument by emphasizing the importance of robust legal safeguards and ethical oversight.

Answer 8

He acknowledges that while such screening can provide important information for prospective parents, it also raises significant moral questions, particularly regarding the value of lives with disabilities and the choices made based on screening results.

Answer 9

This viewpoint holds that screening and the subsequent decision to terminate a pregnancy based on the likelihood of a disability devalue the lives of people living with disabilities. It suggests that such practices imply that lives with disabilities are less worth living or less deserving of resources.

Answer 10

this is often grounded in the concept of prospective parental responsibility. From this perspective, if parents have the opportunity to prevent a life of suffering or significant disadvantage for their future child, they may have a moral obligation to do so. This argument focuses on the quality of life for the child and the responsibilities of parenthood

Answer 11

his problem arises in the context of prenatal screening because the decision not to bring a potentially disabled child into existence does not harm that particular child, since, in the absence of that decision, the child would not exist at all.

Answer 12

1. playing god, 2. genetic discrimination, 3. the perfect child and loss of the mystery of life, 4. against human nature, 5. enhancement is self-defeating

Answer 13

- enhancement is to put u above average in a certain area - in most cases, treatments are publicly funded but enhancement (ie cosmetic surgery) isnt, although both made by medical doctors

Answer 14

parents have a significant moral reason to select, out of possible children they could have, the one who is expected to lead the best life, based on the relevant, available information. This principle forms the foundation of his argument in favor of genetic enhancement.

Answer 15

we have a moral obligation to enhance the people around us. He suggests that if parents can improve their future children's chances of having the best life possible, they should do so. This obligation extends beyond preventing harm to enhancing abilities and traits that contribute to a better life.

Answer 16

Genetic therapy = correcting disabilities or diseases Genetic enhancement = improving normal functions He challenges this distinction, arguing that the line between therapy and enhancement is often blurred and that both can be morally permissible and desirable under certain circumstances.

Answer 17

concerns about inequality, the potential for a genetic "arms race," and the societal pressure to enhance. However, he argues that these issues can be addressed through regulation and by ensuring fair access to genetic technologies.

Answer 18

actively promoting genetic enhancement

2 - Euthanasia & genetic engineering Flashcards

(42 cards)