Overview
This lecture reviews Judith Jarvis Thomson's influential article "A Defense of Abortion," focusing on her argument that the right to life does not automatically grant the right to use another's body, even if the fetus is considered a person.
Thomson's Starting Point
- Thomson assumes, for argument’s sake, that the fetus is a person with a right to life.
- Traditional pro-life argument: If a fetus is a person, it has a right to life that outweighs the mother’s bodily rights.
The Violinist Analogy
- Thomson uses the "violinist" thought experiment: being forcibly connected to keep another alive does not obligate you to remain connected.
- This analogy is especially relevant to pregnancies from rape but also challenges the broad application of the fetus’s right to life.
Critique of Absolute Pro-Life Positions
- Extreme pro-life views often say abortion is never permissible, even to save a mother's life.
- Self-defense is a widely accepted moral principle; thus, abortion to save the mother should be allowed.
Right to Life: Clarification
- Right to life means not to be killed unjustly, not a right to use another’s body.
- Negative rights (freedom from interference) are broadly accepted; positive rights (to resources or help from others) are more controversial.
Broader Application Beyond Rape
- Even if a woman engages in consensual sex, pregnancy does not automatically grant the fetus rights over her body.
- The "burglar through the window" analogy illustrates: leaving oneself open to risk doesn’t obligate one to accept all consequences.
Moral vs. Legal Obligations
- Helping others (violinist or fetus) may be morally good, but not morally required.
- People are not required to make significant sacrifices for others simply because it would be good to do so.
Limitations of Thomson’s Argument
- Thomson does not argue that abortion is always permissible; some abortions could be "indecent."
- At the article's end, she questions whether a fetus is always a person, especially at early stages.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Right to Life — The right not to be killed unjustly, not the right to use someone else’s body.
- Negative Rights — Rights protecting from interference (e.g., not being harmed).
- Positive Rights — Rights to receive help or resources from others.
- Violinist Analogy — Thought experiment comparing pregnancy to being forcibly used to save another’s life.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Thomson’s article "A Defense of Abortion" for detailed arguments.
- Consider objections to Thomson’s reasoning and identify where her argument may be challenged.