Do you agree with Thomson that in determining the morality of abortion, it is irrelevant whether a woman has used contraception when having sex?

week 11:
considering Judith Jarvis Thomson’s analogy of the sick violinist, explain the way in which it is a successful analogy for abortion, and the way in which it is not so successful. Do you agree with Thomson that in determining the morality of abortion, it is irrelevant whether a woman has used contraception when having sex? Do you agree or disagree with John T. Noonan that abortion appears more acceptable because a fetus is invisible from sight, and so more easily dehumanized? What do you think of Marquis’ claim that most abortions are immoral because they deprive the fetus of a “future like ours”? In general, which of the arguments in support of abortion rights do you find most persuasive? Which of the arguments against abortion do you find most persuasive? Do you believe that biological changes that take place during pregnancy have any moral significance in the attribution of personhood upon a fetus?
week 12:
Earlier in the course we encountered Socrates’ claim that all evil is the result of ignorance. What kinds of racist behavior or attitudes do you think people commit as a result of their ignorance? What do you think you can do to ensure that you avoid attitudes or behaviors that may ultimately be racist? If you had a friend or family member who inadvertently or intentionally said something tinged with racism, what do you think you could do or say to help correct such attitudes?

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