I think that abortion is not only a good thing, but I’d like to posit that it seems to me that in the vast majority of abortions, the choice made was the most moral choice for that woman.
[snip] Also, saying that abortion is morally questionable, even if you’re pro-choice, is a huge insult to the brave men and women who risk life and limb to perform them. Being an abortion doctor is a pretty thankless task, because a bunch of “Christian” men who have emasculation issues are gunning to kill you in hopes that brings their huevos back. Meanwhile, other anti-choicers are running around claiming that being an abortionist is like this super great career that people only indulge in for the money. This is [expletive] and pro-choicers need to push back and remind everyone that abortionists are heroes, who put up with all sorts of abuse because they want to help women.
To which Larison replies, in part:
Note how perverse this is–she doesn’t say abortion is necessary or unavoidable or even the least bad option in a range of options. She says it is good. In the interests of the self, pure utility dictates abortion. ...Marcotte is hardly the first person to advance a supremacist logic that justifies the murder of other people, but most supremacists nowadays at least cushion the blow of their hideous ideas with euphemistic language. Give Marcotte credit for this much–no one will ever accuse her of rhetorical subtlety or nuance.
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...of course that should have been "pagan"...
Also, regarding cases such as Terry Schiavo as an example of privation of sentience as justification for termination, it should be no surprise that I opposed her being terminated. But even if I agreed that her termination was justified for that reason, it doesn't apply to the zygote for the following reason. Schiavo's termination was justified, it is argued, because her persistant vegetative state (PVS) had not only removed her rationality and sentience, but had done so permanently. Her privation was permanent. In the case of a the human zygote, the privation of sentience and rationality is not permanent, but only a temporary condition in that particular phase of growth in the human being. Indeed, properly understood in this way, it really isn't even a privation AT THAT POINT OF GROWTH in the same way that the lack of a fully functional sexual organs are not a privation in a five year old child.
As the father of three, the youngest being 14, I get the joke. :) As for the rest, I accept your correction of my impression of your motivations and subtext. I appreciate the effort you've made here, and as time permits I'll be back for a substantive response.
Thanks Franklin. Speaking of time permitting, I work at sea and I'm off for my 6 week offshore rotation at work. I'll check in when possible. As regards those distinctions that inform my conclusions I highly recommend a deep study of the work of the great pagan philosopher Aristotle. Specifically... The Categories Prior Analytics Posteria Analytics The Physics The Metaphysics The Soul (ie, de Anima) Best,
Six weeks is an eon in the blogosphere. This thread will drop off into a black hole well before then. I've read enough of the philosophers to know that I don't want to read them. As for Aristotle, all I can say is: ouch. I'm a Null-A sort of guy, but that's not saying much since it's been real-world eons since I studied it at all. We'll have to stick to practical applications. If you have a theory or principle to offer, by all means do so -- if you link to a citation, I promise to read it, so don't think you have to write any essays. :) Actually, to be honest, I am rather taken with Carl Jung, and by extension Joseph Campbell. Not philosophers in the same sense as Ari, but saying that may serve to define my general sensibilities for you. Clear skies and smooth sailing to you.
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