by Jason WildeA famous moral philosophy paper by Judith Jarvis Thomson, first published in Philosophy & Public Affairs in 1971, uses a thought experiment:
As it goes, Thomson claims that the famous violinist certainly has a right to live, but that 'You' also have the right to choose whether to contribute some critical need (your kidneys) to allow him to live. By staying connected, you are certainly exercising great charity and kindness, but by unplugging yourself from the violinist, you aren't necessarily killing him, but instead just choosing not to make a sacrifice of your own freedom, which will likely result in the violinist dying. The experiment is one of personal freedom vs. the right to life, or health. The same argument has been used to defend smoking in public places, where second-hand effects can affect other's health while it is a limitation on the smoker's freedom to smoke where he or she wants. It also comes to mind particularly now in a time when our country is in a heated debate over personal freedoms and how they affect the safety and well-being of neighbors - of not having the freedom to visit places or being required to wear a mask vs. protecting the vulnerable in a time of pandemic. Many are advocating for the approach that Sweden took in recommending those at risk to stay at home while everyone else has the freedom to live as normal. While the virus will remain circulating much longer and with significantly higher density with this approach, it doesn't necessarily affect anyone who doesn't need to go out to work, buy food, or receive medical care during this time. Those at risk can simply 'not go out', regardless of the adverse affects (not being paid, starving, or suffering from lack of medical care). This is analogous to the argument that was used by Thomson in claiming that you are not directly killing the violinist, and that a hypothetical woman who seeks a late-term abortion "just to avoid the nuisance of postponing a trip abroad" has the right to do so, since it is not directly killing the fetus. Even into the past decade, this paper has been debated and criticized numerous times in order to defend or advocate for the necessity of abortion. And as we have learned this year, the debate over personal freedom and choice continues...
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On a MissionTwo passionate parents and their four children are excited to bring His Word to everyone in need while living a life of Gospel poverty as missionaries. They invite you to join them on a journey to encounter our global neighbors that Jesus commands us to love through works of charity and service. Archives
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