PART 1
To demonstrate this issue’s many sides, watch the second film clip below (Mississippi clinic; scroll all the way down) HERE IS THE LINK. https://cctech.desire2learn.com/content/enforced/981771-12657.202110/Inside%20Mississippi’s%20Lone%20Abortion%20Clinic.mp4?_&d2lSessionVal=XogX5Mfjpq1s8CLCdLB1lueto
Where you will see a controversial abortion clinic in Mississippi. (Note: No graphic images are apparent, so this is more of a news documentary, but it does well in showcasing many of the tensions surrounding this issue.)
After watching this film clip and reading the textbook’s introduction to the subject on pages 221-224, (pages attached) Return to the textbook for a review of the terms conception, quickening, and viability. Methodologies are explained on page 222, Write what you found most interesting and/or revealing (at least three observations) about the situation in the case of the Mississippi clinic.
Share at least two observations. Then write about at least three concepts found on pages 221-224 that you noted were mentioned in the film.
How does the textbook’s explanation complement and/or expand what the film showcases?
PART 2
Then, watch the film clip embedded below HERE IS THE LINK https://cctech.desire2learn.com/content/enforced/981771-12657.202110/4.5%20%20%20Roe%20v%20%20Wade%20in%20PBS’%20The%20Supreme%20Court.mp4?_&d2lSessionVal=XogX5Mfjpq1s8CLCdLB1lueto
which gives background on the history of the Roe v. Wade case. Afterwards, read the “Majority Opinion in Roe v. Wade” on the top of page 225.
How does the status of Roe v. Wade impact our understanding of the issue of abortion. In your opinion, has our judicial system become arbiters/decision-makers of morality? Why or why not? Keep in mind that the recent nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has some critics thinking his influence may help to overturn Roe v. Wade though this remains an opinion, of course. Those who feel this way think his Catholic background may influence his decision-making. Pay close attention to the textbook’s clarification about the Roman Catholic Church’s stance on abortion. Look again on the bottom of page 227, in the second column. Note how the matter of “intention” is the prime concern in the Catholic perspective.
PART 3
Now, to demonstrate how the issues such as abortion impact on political platforms, watch the following film clip which was taken from the last U.S. Presidential Debate in which then Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump and Democratic Nominee (former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) debate the issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfdRmnT0Weo how these issues become political in nature, in addition to their moral status.
After watching the clip below, comment briefly on why you think issues such as abortion do work their way into political platforms, regardless of a person’s political affiliation. How do ethical issues such as abortion impact a political candidate’s platform?
PART 4
Now, read through the section on “Moral Theories” as they apply to abortion. Here, you will see how the moral theories we’ve studied in the earlier portion of the course impact one’s views on an issue such as abortion. Look especially at what the following say about abortion: an act-utilitarian, a rule-utilitarian, a Kantian theorist, and natural law theorists. These extend onto the top of page 227. Select TWO of these positions what you think are at least one strength and one weakness of each position.
Then, read through the “Moral Arguments” section on pages 227-233. After reading those pages, write down what five (5) of your greatest takeaways from this section.
PART 5
Select at least ONE of the readings at the end. You can pick among Thomson’s, Warren’s, Marquis’, or Hursthouse’s readings. Although you may be more likely to pick the one that corresponds to your own personal beliefs, step out of the comfort zone and read one that goes against your belief. Tell which reading you selected, give us what you consider to be the three most important points the writer makes, AND what you think makes those points either strong or weak. Instead of just agreeing or disagreeing, see if you can apply one of our moral theories we have studied to show how the argument works.
