Understanding Arguments Against Abortion
This question asks to identify the philosopher among the given options who has argued against abortion. The core task is to recognize the philosophical stance of each listed individual regarding abortion.
Identifying Don Marquis's Stance on Abortion
Don Marquis is a prominent philosopher known for his argument against abortion, particularly focusing on the moral status of the fetus. His influential article, "Why Abortion Is Immoral" (1989), presents a strong case against the permissibility of abortion.
Marquis's Central Argument
- Marquis argues that abortion is generally wrong because it deprives the fetus of a "future like ours."
- He contends that a fetus possesses the potential for future experiences, relationships, and accomplishments that are valuable, similar to those valued by adults.
- Therefore, killing a fetus is comparable to killing an adult human, as it involves the premature termination of a valuable future.
Philosophical Positions of Other Options
- Marry Ann Warren: Often associated with arguments *for* abortion rights, emphasizing criteria for personhood that she argues fetuses do not meet.
- Judith Jarvis Thomson: Famous for her "violinist analogy," which argues for the permissibility of abortion in cases of unwanted pregnancy, even if the fetus is considered a person.
- Peter Singer: While Singer holds complex views on abortion, often distinguishing between different stages of pregnancy and arguing for the moral permissibility of abortion in many circumstances, especially in early stages or in cases of severe disability, he is not primarily known for arguing strictly *against* abortion in the way Marquis does.
Conclusion on Arguments Against Abortion
Based on their widely recognized philosophical positions, Don Marquis is the philosopher among the options who has presented a significant argument *against* abortion, centering on the concept of depriving a being of its future potential.