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Full Idea
In the problem of abortion there is a genuine choice as to whether or not to count as a human being, with the rights of a human being, what would become a human being but is not yet capable of independent life.
Gist of Idea
In the case of something lacking independence, calling it a human being is a matter of choice
Source
Philippa Foot (Morality and Art [1972], p.7)
Book Ref
Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.7
A Reaction
There must be some basis for the choice. We can't call a dead person a human being. Choosing to call a tiny zygote a human being seems very implausible. Pre-viability strikes me as implausible.
Related Idea
Idea 22445 Morality shows murder is wrong, but not what counts as a murder [Foot]
| 22448 | We sometimes just use the word 'should' to impose a rule of conduct on someone [Foot] |
| 22444 | A moral system must deal with the dangers and benefits of life [Foot] |
| 22446 | In the case of something lacking independence, calling it a human being is a matter of choice [Foot] |
| 22445 | Morality shows murder is wrong, but not what counts as a murder [Foot] |
| 22447 | Saying something 'just is' right or wrong creates an illusion of fact and objectivity [Foot] |