Key Terms
Central question in the abortion debate
When does personhood begin, and what criteria define it?
Aristotle
Rational activity is the defining function of humans; we perfect ourselves through reason. Kant: personhood is contingen
Problem
No one is a fully rational agent at birth. Children and people with late-stage cognitive decline are not fully functioni
Hylomorphism
Aristotle's theory that form is present in matter and causes beings to actualize their potential. The acorn contains the
Applied to abortion
The embryo contains the essential identity of a human being; pro-life advocates use this to argue that killing an embryo
Physician-assisted suicide (PAS)
Physician provides the means (prescription for lethal medication) but the patient ends their own life. Distinct from eut
Peter Singer (utilitarian)
Supports most forms of euthanasia; morality depends on quality of life and whether the patient has voluntarily waived th
James Rachels
Challenged the active/passive distinction. Both have the same intent (end suffering) and the same outcome (death).
Double-blind methods
Neither the participant nor the researcher knows which treatment the participant receives. Randomization removes researc
Clinical equipoise
A randomized trial is ethically justifiable when (1) no better treatment currently exists and (2) clinical evidence does
COERCION
Explicit or implicit pressure that makes genuine informed consent impossible. Includes withholding trial information, mi
Utilitarian (Bentham/Mill)
Weigh total consequences; trials should be designed to produce the greatest overall happiness, not just scientific or co
Kantian/Deontological
Humans must always be treated as ends in themselves, never merely as means. Participants must give free, informed consen
Care ethics
Centers caring relationships; emphasizes compassion and empathy in researcher-participant interactions.
Human augmentation
Biomedical interventions that improve human form or functioning beyond what is necessary to restore or sustain health (J