The point at which we fully acquire our humanity, and our capacity to suffer, remains an open question, but anyone who would dogmatically insist that these traits must arise coincident with the moment of conception has nothing to contribute, apart from his ignorance, to this debate.[2]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Insisting that personhood begins strictly at conception ignores the open question of when suffering starts.
- In plain terms
- We cannot dogmatically decide when humans become capable of suffering.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid dogmatic claims about when life begins to feel pain.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does suffering begin?
- Is certainty required for policy?
Another view
Some religious frameworks provide definitive answers regardless of evidence.
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