Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and other required topic study materials, write a paper reflection that answers the following questions:
What is the Christian view of the nature of human persons, and which theory of moral status is it compatible with?
How is this related to the intrinsic human value and dignity?
Which theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to determine the moral status of the fetus?
What from the case study specifically leads you to believe that they hold the theory you selected?
How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
What theory do you agree with? Why? How would that theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?
Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
For this writing assignment (week 2):
Create a paragraph for each of the adults in the Case Study as a way to organize your paper: Jessica, Aunt Maria, Dr. Wilson, and Mario. State which of the five theories they are using (actually name the theory(ies)). Make your case for each one after having studied the theories. Clearly state your own theory: no fence-sitting. Take a stand and make your case. Remember this is an argumentative paper. Strong opinion is expected.
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YOU MUST USE THE MORAL STATUS CATEGORIES FOUND IN THE LECTURE FOR WEEK 2 TO COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT.
VIEW THE KHAN VIDEO: https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/value-theory-1/v/moral-status
HERE ARE THE 5 MORAL STATUS THEORIES YOU MUST USE:
The video lecture distinguishes several views or theories of moral status. While they might be categorized in different ways, they will be broken down into the five following views or theories commonly used by bioethicists: (1) a theory based on human properties, (2) a theory based on cognitive properties, (3) a theory based on moral agency, (4) a theory based on sentience, and (5) a theory based on relationships. Each of the above theories takes a selected characteristic or set of characteristics, and views it as that which confers moral status upon a being.
The five theories of moral status can be a bit tricky to grasp, so at the following.
The assignment of moral status determines how a fetus might be ethically treated. Each of the characters in the case study operate out of their own understanding of why the baby might or might not have moral status (and therefore deserve to be treated in a certain way). You are being asked to describe the characters’ theories and then describe your own view on why the fetus should or should not be assigned moral status.
Many students have trouble with this! Hint: when talking about the “Theory based on Moral Agency” the case study is referring to the moral agency of the fetus, not of the parents or physician. Do not apply this theory to the adults in the case. We know that they have moral status and are moral agents. If you are going to argue that an adult in the case study uses this theory to justify moral status for the baby, then you must answer the question: Does the fetus have moral agency? And you must demonstrate how that is.
Hint: The same goes for the “Theory based on Sentience.” Consider whether or not the fetus has sentience? (not the parents or physician). From the parents’ and physicians perspective, does the fetus have sentient properties?
Hint: The same is true for the “Theory based on Cognitive Properties” and the “Human Properties” theory. Consider whether or not the fetus has cognitive properties to make your assessment as to which theory is being applied by the people in the study to determine moral status.