PHI 413 Topic 2: God, Humanity, and Human Dignity Tasks

PHI 413 Case Study on Moral Status

Based on “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and other required topic study materials, write a 750-1,000-word reflection that answers the following questions:

What is the Christian view of the nature of human persons, and which theory of moral status is it compatible with? How is this related to the intrinsic human value and dignity?
Which theory or theories are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to determine the moral status of the fetus? What from the case study specifically leads you to believe that they hold the theory you selected?
How does the theory determine or influence each of their recommendations for action?
What theory do you agree with? Why? How would that theory determine or influence the recommendation for action?

Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

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Topic 2 DQ 1

What is the Christian concept of the imago Dei? How might it be important to health care, and why is it relevant?

Topic 2 DQ 2

According to your worldview, what value does a human person have? How does your position affect your stance on controversial bioethical issues, such as abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research?

Re: Topic 2 DQ 2
According to my worldview, all humans have intrinsic value and dignity from the moment of conception. I agree with Meilaender (2013) that no cognitive or functional test can determine personhood, whether that test is applied to an embryo or a geriatric patient with end-stage dementia. My position affects my stance on controversial issues but does not influence my recognition of an individual’s right to make decisions for themselves.

Rare circumstances exist in which an abortion may be reasonable, in my opinion, such as when the mother’s life is threatened due to complications from pregnancy or when the pregnancy is the result of rape. I believe that when two consenting humans engage in an activity known to result in pregnancy, then pregnancy occurs, the outcome should be accepted and supported as a matter of principle and accountability. However, my opinion cannot take priority over an individual’s right to self-determination, and for this reason, I am pro-choice. PHI 413 Topic 2: God, Humanity, and Human Dignity Tasks

The issue of “designer babies” when discussed in the context of reducing chances of birth defects and disabilities sounds potentially positive. However, prospective parents involved in this process are heavily invested both emotionally and financially. Given this investment and the increasing abilities of medical science to alter gender and other physical characteristics, we risk tempting people to imagine and attempt to create the “perfect baby” (Meilaender, 2013). By doing this, the human value may be shifted from an intrinsic truth to a question of extrinsic characteristics. Because this is such a slippery slope, I am not in favour of producing designer babies.

Stem cell research is something I am undecided about. While many scientists report this field has the potential to successfully treat or cure many debilitating diseases, I cannot reconcile this benefit with the destruction of countless viable human embryos. I lean toward condoning the research, especially after considering that most human sperm and eggs die and that research embryos are created in a lab environment. PHI 413 Topic 2: God, Humanity, and Human Dignity Tasks

References

Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A Primer for Christians (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Course Code Class Code Assignment Title Total Points
PHI-413V PHI-413V-O500 Case Study on Moral Status 200.0

Criteria Percentage Unsatisfactory (0.00%) Less than Satisfactory (65.00%) Satisfactory (75.00%) Good (85.00%) Excellent (100.00%)
Content 70.0%
Christian View of the Nature of Human Persons and Compatible Theory of Moral Status 30.0% Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is unclear. Explanation is not clearly supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is clear. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is clear and thorough. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of the Christian view of the nature of human persons and the theory of moral status that it is compatible is clear, thorough, and explained with a deep understanding of the connection between them. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

Determination of Moral Status 15.0% The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is not adequately explained. Rationale for choices made is not supported by topic study materials or case study examples. The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is not clearly explained. Rationale for choices made is unclearly supported by topic study materials or case study examples. The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained and draws relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is supported by topic study materials and case study examples. The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained clearly and draws relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is clearly supported by topic study materials and case study examples. The theory or theories that are used by each person to determine the moral status of the fetus is explained clearly and draws insightful relevant conclusions. Rationale for choices made is clearly supported by topic study materials and case study examples. PHI 413 Topic 2: God, Humanity, and Human Dignity Tasks

Recommendation for Action 15.0% Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is insufficient. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is unclear. Explanation unclearly supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear and demonstrates an understanding of the theory. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. Explanation of how the theory determines or influences each of their recommendations for action is clear, insightful, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the theory and its impact on recommendation for action. Explanation is supported by topic study materials.

Personal Response to Case Study 10.0% Evaluation of which theory is personally preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is inadequate. Evaluation of which theory is preferable along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is lacking a personal connection. Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear. Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear and relevant. Evaluation of which theory is preferable within personal practice along with how that theory would influence personal recommendations for action is clear, relevant, and insightful.

Organization, Effectiveness, and Format 30.0%
Thesis Development and Purpose 7.0% Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear. Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose. Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

Argument Logic and Construction 8.0% Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources. Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. Argument shows logical progression….

PHI 413 Topic 2: God, Humanity, and Human Dignity Tasks