This argument I stumbled across today. I found it in the logic textbook I mentioned earlier. It was having me just analyze it for validity (not soundness) but I did find it somewhat compelling and it reflects my general inclinations on the abortion debate. I'm still fairly undecided on the matter but this line of reasoning is what I tend to lean towards.
All beings with a right to life are capable of desiring continued existence.
All beings capable of desiring continued existence have a concept of themselves as a continuing subject of experiences.
No human fetus has a concept of itself as a continuing subject of experiences.
Therefore, No human fetus has a right to life.
My analysis. The asterisks are left over from the "Star" analysis method of determining validity.
All B* is E
All E* is S
No F* is E*
Therefore, No F is B.
Valid.
All beings with a right to life are capable of desiring continued existence.
All beings capable of desiring continued existence have a concept of themselves as a continuing subject of experiences.
No human fetus has a concept of itself as a continuing subject of experiences.
Therefore, No human fetus has a right to life.
My analysis. The asterisks are left over from the "Star" analysis method of determining validity.
All B* is E
All E* is S
No F* is E*
Therefore, No F is B.
Valid.
My ignore list
"The lord doesn't work in mysterious ways, but in ways that are indistinguishable from his nonexistence."
-- George Yorgo Veenhuyzen quoted by John W. Loftus in The End of Christianity (p. 103).
"The lord doesn't work in mysterious ways, but in ways that are indistinguishable from his nonexistence."
-- George Yorgo Veenhuyzen quoted by John W. Loftus in The End of Christianity (p. 103).