Originally posted by LordOfTheChessboard Yes but if god does not need a cause you dont need one either.
I believe this to be true. Both we and God are eternal. You suggest that because of this reason it doesn’t matter if we kill each other or not. From an atheists perspective you would have a point. To believe in God though is to believe that he put us here for a reason. So what right do we have to deny another their God given time here on Earth.
Originally posted by The Chess Express I believe this to be true. Both we and God are eternal. You suggest that because of this reason it doesn’t matter if we kill each other or not. From an atheists perspective you would have a point. To believe in God though is to believe that he put us here for a reason. So what right do we have to deny another their God given time here on Earth.
So you're against the death penalty?
(Just thought I'd throw a little more fuel on the fire)
Just to add a little more of my fuel to the debate, those who disagree with me, where would you say life starts then?
where would you say life starts then?
Are you sure this is the proper question to be addressing? It seems to me that we need to focus on when the fetus becomes morally considerable. If the fetus lacks consciousness*, then how is it morally considerable? The fetus is unconscious in the same way a rock is. I don't think the young fetus is morally considerable. Unlike the rock, the young fetus does of course possess the capacity for developing consciousness; but this doesn't change the fact that the young fetus is not morally considerable as a young fetus. It cannot suffer, if that's what you're worried about.
*I would say also viability, but I'm not sure that viability is a necessary condition for moral considerability (e.g., siamese twins).
Originally posted by LemonJello [b]where would you say life starts then?
Are you sure this is the proper question to be addressing? It seems to me that we need to focus on when the fetus becomes morally considerable. If the fetus lacks consciousness*, then how is it morally considerable? The fetus is unconscious in the same way a rock is. I don't think the young fetus is mor ...[text shortened]... ot sure that viability is a necessary condition for moral considerability (e.g., siamese twins).[/b]
Consciousness, you say? So it is then morally permissible to kill your brother who's in a coma; or your senile grandmother; or the inebriated junkie on the street; or when you are asleep at night? What is so mystical about birth that you can't apply the same reasoning to somebody who has crossed this barrier?
Originally posted by Halitose Consciousness, you say? So it is then morally permissible to kill your brother who's in a coma; or your senile grandmother; or the inebriated junkie on the street; or when you are asleep at night? What is so mystical about birth that you can't apply the same reasoning to somebody who has crossed this barrier?
Here we go again .............. over to you, Bbarr!
Originally posted by LemonJello [b]where would you say life starts then?
Are you sure this is the proper question to be addressing? It seems to me that we need to focus on when the fetus becomes morally considerable. If the fetus lacks consciousness*, then how is it morally considerable? The fetus is unconscious in the same way a rock is. I don't think the young fetus is mor ...[text shortened]... ot sure that viability is a necessary condition for moral considerability (e.g., siamese twins).[/b]
Viability is directly related to the medical technology of the time, I don't think this is a very concrete measuring stick. If a fetus is viable at 18 weeks, why is 3rd trimester abortion still an option.
Originally posted by Halitose Viability is directly related to the medical technology of the time, I don't think this is a very concrete measuring stick. If a fetus is viable at 18 weeks, why is 3rd trimester abortion still an option.
It isn't in all States in the US except to save the mother's life or health.
Originally posted by no1marauder He's stated it many times including today in the abortion thread in Debates. I'll try to find it and play Charlie McCarthy if you want.