RE: J.J. Thompson's Violinist Thought Experiment Concerning Abortion
December 28, 2021 at 7:54 pm
I think the thought experiment is a good one.
I think Neo and Iggy have a point. The distinction between the violinist scenario and pregnancy is that choice is involved. But even then, it could be argued that living life, dating someone, and accidentally getting pregnant is a lot like waking up in a hospital after a car accident. Sometimes accidents happen. Even careful people have accidents-- not just careless people. We needn't assume that every accidental pregnancy is due to carelessness.
I think the thought experiment really shines as a counterpoint to the notion of "right to life."
I think the reason a "famous violinist" was chosen rather than just "some rando" is that it gives you a sense that this is a significant person. But, special as this person may be, does that obligate one to make long term sacrifices for someone because of their "right to life"? The thought experiment tests our intuitions here. And I think it says something significant.
I think Neo and Iggy have a point. The distinction between the violinist scenario and pregnancy is that choice is involved. But even then, it could be argued that living life, dating someone, and accidentally getting pregnant is a lot like waking up in a hospital after a car accident. Sometimes accidents happen. Even careful people have accidents-- not just careless people. We needn't assume that every accidental pregnancy is due to carelessness.
I think the thought experiment really shines as a counterpoint to the notion of "right to life."
I think the reason a "famous violinist" was chosen rather than just "some rando" is that it gives you a sense that this is a significant person. But, special as this person may be, does that obligate one to make long term sacrifices for someone because of their "right to life"? The thought experiment tests our intuitions here. And I think it says something significant.
