Bioethics Solutions
Explain the 'Trolley Problem' (i.e., the three versions of the case) and what it illustrates -
answer The trolley problem presents 3 similar dilemmas. 1 worker, 5 people, 1 lever; 5
workers and a bridge w/ dense dude; and the killing of a healthy patient to save the lives
of five others. Many individuals answer the 3 dilemmas differently, yet they all have the
same basic form and consequence. Therefore, it must be asked if ones moral beliefs
are logical since they seem to be inconsistent. (killing vs letting die)
Explain what being an object of direct moral consideration is. - answer An object of
direct moral consideration is anything worthy of being counted morally. Therefore,
individuals must take into account how the object of DMC will be affected in any action
pertaining to it. Being an object of direct moral consideration thereby places moral
obligations on others around you.
Explain the basic 'problem of abortion', as covered in lecture. - answer The problem of
abortion has two major components. First, what is the moral status of the fetus; second,
what is the moral status of the mother? Finnis, Tooley, and Marquis all argue as if the
first question is the only relevant problem to solve in deciding the ethics of abortion.
However, Thomson, Purdy, and somewhat Asch all take into account the moral status
of the mother, and her right to her own body (Tooley). Therefore, in order to solve the
dilemma, one must take into account both aspects of the problem of abortion.
Explain Finnis' conception of 'organic unity' and its significance to the morality of
abortion. - answerFinnis claims that all people are "organic unities," including fetuses.
He states that at no point in the development of a fetus is there a moral difference
between a neonate or fully grown human being: "organic unity." This idea of an organic
unity comes from the idea that all that makes a person a person exists within a fertilized
egg; one can trace their entire life back to the very moment of conception. The big
problem with this idea is that all plants and animals appear to be organic unities, and
therefore have a right to life. However, this does not seem to be the case, making the
argument extremely suspect.
Explain how self-consciousness is relevant to the ethics of abortion, according to
Tooley. - answerRights protect desires. Tooley believes self consciousness, or having a
self concept (the "I") is a prerequisite for having or desiring a right to life. In order to
desire continued existence, one must hold that the world would be better with them in it.
Therefore, in order to have that desire, one must have a self concept, or understand the
"I" they are referring to. Because fetuses do not have self consciousness, Tooley
believes that they cannot desire continued existence, and therefore do not have a right
to life. However, if self consciousness is the qualification for having a right to life, many
Explain the 'Trolley Problem' (i.e., the three versions of the case) and what it illustrates -
answer The trolley problem presents 3 similar dilemmas. 1 worker, 5 people, 1 lever; 5
workers and a bridge w/ dense dude; and the killing of a healthy patient to save the lives
of five others. Many individuals answer the 3 dilemmas differently, yet they all have the
same basic form and consequence. Therefore, it must be asked if ones moral beliefs
are logical since they seem to be inconsistent. (killing vs letting die)
Explain what being an object of direct moral consideration is. - answer An object of
direct moral consideration is anything worthy of being counted morally. Therefore,
individuals must take into account how the object of DMC will be affected in any action
pertaining to it. Being an object of direct moral consideration thereby places moral
obligations on others around you.
Explain the basic 'problem of abortion', as covered in lecture. - answer The problem of
abortion has two major components. First, what is the moral status of the fetus; second,
what is the moral status of the mother? Finnis, Tooley, and Marquis all argue as if the
first question is the only relevant problem to solve in deciding the ethics of abortion.
However, Thomson, Purdy, and somewhat Asch all take into account the moral status
of the mother, and her right to her own body (Tooley). Therefore, in order to solve the
dilemma, one must take into account both aspects of the problem of abortion.
Explain Finnis' conception of 'organic unity' and its significance to the morality of
abortion. - answerFinnis claims that all people are "organic unities," including fetuses.
He states that at no point in the development of a fetus is there a moral difference
between a neonate or fully grown human being: "organic unity." This idea of an organic
unity comes from the idea that all that makes a person a person exists within a fertilized
egg; one can trace their entire life back to the very moment of conception. The big
problem with this idea is that all plants and animals appear to be organic unities, and
therefore have a right to life. However, this does not seem to be the case, making the
argument extremely suspect.
Explain how self-consciousness is relevant to the ethics of abortion, according to
Tooley. - answerRights protect desires. Tooley believes self consciousness, or having a
self concept (the "I") is a prerequisite for having or desiring a right to life. In order to
desire continued existence, one must hold that the world would be better with them in it.
Therefore, in order to have that desire, one must have a self concept, or understand the
"I" they are referring to. Because fetuses do not have self consciousness, Tooley
believes that they cannot desire continued existence, and therefore do not have a right
to life. However, if self consciousness is the qualification for having a right to life, many
