Below are some arguments that we will discuss in class on Wednesday January 27, if we have time.
To thoroughly assess each of the arguments, we have to ask:
1. Is premise 1 true?
2. Is premise 2 true?
3. Is the argument logically valid?
[3.6.] Arguments about the Case of Jodie and Mary.
For details about the Jodie and Mary Case, see EMP pp.5–7.
The Argument that We Should Save as Many as We Can (EMP p.6)
1. When we have a choice between saving one human being and letting two die, we should save the one.
2. Separating Jodie and Mary would save Jodie, but not separating them would mean letting both of them die.
3. Therefore, we should separate them.
The Argument from the Sanctity of Human Life (EMP p.7)
[3.7.] Arguments about the Case of Tracy Latimer.
For details about the Tracy Latimer Case, see EMP pp.7–10.
The Argument from the Wrongness of Discriminating against the Disabled (EMP p.8)
1. It is wrong to treat someone differently because they are disabled.
2. Tracy Latimer was killed because she was disabled.
3. Therefore, it was wrong to kill Tracy.
The Slippery Slope Argument (EMP p.9)
1. It is wrong to do something that would lead to the cheapening of human life.
2. Killing someone like Tracy would eventually lead to the cheapening of human life.
3. Therefore, it was wrong to kill Tracy.