Phil 307

A concept found in the article by Onora O'Neill referring to the idea that all autonomy is partial autonomy since we can never know all of the consequences of our choices.

A belief that grew out of the success of the sciences in the 17th, 18th and especially the 19th century. The idea is that the world is improving through the use of science and technology.

A kind of folk principle found in many religions, but most often associated with the New Testament. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

This is the idea put forward by Hans Jonas that ALL consent involves some element of conscription, a kind of subtle (or not so subtle) manipulation.

The idea that human beings possess a kind of value that cannot be exchanged into other units of value. When we say a life is "priceless" we are saying that it belongs to a different category than the things that can be bought and sold.

For some people concerning some issues they may only need to know ONE THING to know what they believe their duty to be; their moral posture on some subject. Example: "Trump is opposed to abortion. Therefore I should vote for Trump."

While we invariably have emotional reactions to controversial practices, those reactions are not arguments. "Yuck" is not an argument, its a reaction. I used the silly example of my aversion to bell pepper to make this point. My aversion has nothing to do with morality.

We constantly impress meaning onto our experience of the world. We are often unaware or only half-aware of the narratives or mythologies that we spin.

A Kantian notion that distinguishes between the domains of morality and preference. A hypothetical imperative describes the situation in which the word "should" refers merely to what one "should" do IF they want one thing or another. "If you want to satisfy your hunger you SHOULD eat." A categorical imperative describes the situation in which the word "should" refers to what one should do irrespective of whether they want to or not, therefore a MORAL imperative. "You should do no intentional harm to others."

This refers to the capacity we normally have to responsibly act on our own behalf. What we discovered is that there are many ways for competency to become attenuated, or compromised. Pain, drugs, mental illness, depression, shock, all may contribute to compromised competence.

A medical procedure in which amniotic fluid (containing fetal tissues) is withdrawn to check for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Downs Syndrome.

Made by a German company and prescribed as a sedative and later for nausea, especially morning sickness associated with pregnancy. Produced birth defects. Had large impact on the abortion debate in the United States.

The belief that all people are equal and should have equal rights under the law.

A dated and rather offensive term used for someone with a mental disability or Down's Syndrome.

A serious genetic disorder rendering its victim unable to stop bleeding or making it very difficult to do so. Coagulation factor VIII is usually the missing mechanism.