Exam 48: Virtue Theory and Abortion Rosalind Hursthouse

A) it is the result of sexual intercourse.
B) it lasts about nine months.
C) parents tend to care passionately about their offspring.
D) All of the above

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

A) Cowardice
B) A lack of seriousness
C) Humility
D) Any of the above

Correct Answer

verified

D

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

A) At what point does human life begin?
B) In having an abortion, would this woman be acting virtuously, viciously, or neither?
C) Does a woman have the right to do as she chooses with her own body?
D) All of the above

Correct Answer

verified

B

A) recommend an abortion to someone whose life was not at stake.
B) view miscarriage as a less than tragic loss.
C) see abortion as simply the exercise of a moral right.
D) take a woman's decision to have an abortion as a reflection of a moral failing.

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

Correct Answer

Answered by ExamLex AI

Rosalind Hursthouse, a renowned virtue ethicist, approaches the moral problem of abortion not in terms of a general rule or principle but through the lens of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics emphasizes the character and virtues of the moral agent rather than the formulation of moral rules or the consequences of actions. Hursthouse argues that the moral complexity of abortion cannot be adequately addressed by simply applying a rule or principle; instead, it requires a nuanced understanding of the virtues, the context, and the particularities of each situation. Hursthouse's approach to abortion focuses on the virtues that a 'good' person would exhibit in the context of a decision about abortion. She considers factors such as the woman's capacity for motherhood, the potential for a flourishing life for both the woman and the fetus, and the responsibilities and relationships involved. Her view is that the right action in any given case will be the action that a virtuous person, possessing practical wisdom, would take in those circumstances. The strength of Hursthouse's virtue theory approach lies in its flexibility and its attention to the complexities of human life. It avoids the rigidity of rule-based systems, which can lead to dogmatic or overly simplistic conclusions that do not account for the rich context of real-life situations. By focusing on virtues and character, her approach allows for moral deliberation that is sensitive to the particulars of each case, which can be seen as more humane and realistic. On the other hand, critics might argue that this approach has weaknesses. One potential weakness is that it may not provide clear guidance for action, as what constitutes a virtuous response can be subject to interpretation and may vary from person to person. This could lead to inconsistency and uncertainty in moral decision-making. Additionally, without general rules or principles, it may be difficult to establish consensus or to critique actions effectively, as judgments are grounded in the character of the individual, which is more subjective. In conclusion, whether Hursthouse's avoidance of general rules or principles in considering the moral problem of abortion is seen as a strength or a weakness of her virtue theory approach depends on one's perspective. Those who value flexibility and context-sensitivity in moral reasoning may see it as a strength, while those who seek more definitive guidance and consistency may view it as a weakness. Virtue ethics offers a distinctive and rich framework for moral reflection, but its practical application can be challenging and may require a balance with other ethical considerations.

Correct Answer

Answered by ExamLex AI

Hursthouse dismisses the dominant consid...

View Answer

Show Answer

Correct Answer

Answered by ExamLex AI

Hursthouse claims that virtue theory has...

View Answer

Show Answer

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

A) flourishing.
B) justice.
C) duty.
D) pleasure.

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

Correct Answer

Answered by ExamLex AI

Hursthouse argues that to take pregnancy...

View Answer

Show Answer

A) the claims to authority over women's bodies made by the state.
B) all our thoughts about human life and death, parenthood, and family.
C) gender roles and the injustice often surrounding them.
D) N not one of the above

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

A) ignores familiar biological facts about human reproduction.
B) fails to take the anti-abortion perspective seriously.
C) disregards the role of politics in moral disputes.
D) overlooks the history of the women's rights movement.

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer

A) The morality of abortion is a matter of individual conscience.
B) Legal prohibitions against abortion are at best misguided.
C) Men should have no role in deliberations about whether to have an abortion.
D) None of the above

Correct Answer

verified

Show Answer