Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to the author, what is a primary risk associated with the development of artificial wombs as a solution to gender inequality?
According to the author, what is a primary risk associated with the development of artificial wombs as a solution to gender inequality?
- They would eliminate the need for advancements in healthcare during natural pregnancy.
- They would lead to an increase in the global population.
- They oversimplify the complexities of gender inequality and undermine women's autonomy. (correct)
- They would make men and women biologically identical.
The author believes that abolishing natural pregnancy is the key to achieving true gender equality.
The author believes that abolishing natural pregnancy is the key to achieving true gender equality.
False (B)
According to virtue ethics, what is essential for a life of flourishing?
According to virtue ethics, what is essential for a life of flourishing?
Living a life guided by reason
According to Kantian ethics, the principle of ___________ requires us to treat people as ends in themselves, not as means to an end.
According to Kantian ethics, the principle of ___________ requires us to treat people as ends in themselves, not as means to an end.
Match the ethical frameworks with their central concepts:
Match the ethical frameworks with their central concepts:
What concern does the author raise regarding the potential implementation of artificial wombs, based on existing Assisted Reproductive Technologies?
What concern does the author raise regarding the potential implementation of artificial wombs, based on existing Assisted Reproductive Technologies?
Al Farabi believes that practical wisdom only involves natural virtue.
Al Farabi believes that practical wisdom only involves natural virtue.
What does Aristotle mean by the 'mean'?
What does Aristotle mean by the 'mean'?
The system taking advantage of existing economic inequality is a form of ___________ exploitation.
The system taking advantage of existing economic inequality is a form of ___________ exploitation.
The author cites a study published in PubMed that examines:
The author cites a study published in PubMed that examines:
The author agrees with Firestone's assertion that pregnancy inherently places women at a physical disadvantage.
The author agrees with Firestone's assertion that pregnancy inherently places women at a physical disadvantage.
What are some of the methods to support women during and after pregnancy?
What are some of the methods to support women during and after pregnancy?
If artificial wombs were available mostly to the wealthy and reliant on outsourced reproductive labour, it could ___________ inequality rather than solve it.
If artificial wombs were available mostly to the wealthy and reliant on outsourced reproductive labour, it could ___________ inequality rather than solve it.
What is the author's stance on artificial wombs?
What is the author's stance on artificial wombs?
According to the author, the cost of gestational carriers is the same in the United States and India.
According to the author, the cost of gestational carriers is the same in the United States and India.
Match each concept with the corresponding individual or theory:
Match each concept with the corresponding individual or theory:
What potential benefit of artificial wombs does the author acknowledge?
What potential benefit of artificial wombs does the author acknowledge?
The author supports the idea that natural pregnancy is outdated or irrational.
The author supports the idea that natural pregnancy is outdated or irrational.
What element needs improving in a system to ensure the right to flourish in natural pregnancy?
What element needs improving in a system to ensure the right to flourish in natural pregnancy?
The author concludes that true equality will come from transforming the systems around natural pregnancy, by improving ___________, respecting all reproductive choices, and ensuring women are free to flourish, with or without pregnancy.
The author concludes that true equality will come from transforming the systems around natural pregnancy, by improving ___________, respecting all reproductive choices, and ensuring women are free to flourish, with or without pregnancy.
Flashcards
Firestone's Argument
Firestone's Argument
Argues gender inequality stems from women's role in reproduction and seeks artificial wombs as a solution.
Virtue Ethics
Virtue Ethics
Emphasizes reason, character, and human flourishing as central to a virtuous life.
Eudaimonia
Eudaimonia
Living a life of human flourishing guided by reason.
Aristotle’s Mean
Aristotle’s Mean
Signup and view all the flashcards
Kantian Principle of Humanity
Kantian Principle of Humanity
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ethical Issues of ART
Ethical Issues of ART
Signup and view all the flashcards
Structural Exploitation
Structural Exploitation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Kantian Autonomy
Kantian Autonomy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Natural pregnancy abolition via artificial wombs is argued as undesirable.
- It risks oversimplifying gender inequality.
- It undermines women’s autonomy.
- It dismisses the value of embodied experiences like childbirth.
Firestone's Argument
- Firestone argues gender inequality stems from women's role in reproduction.
- Pregnancy and childbirth create physical disadvantages and dependency on men.
- Artificial wombs are her solution.
- The issue lies in society's failure to support women during and after pregnancy, not pregnancy itself.
Virtue Ethics Perspective
- Aristotle and Al Farabi emphasize reason, character, and human flourishing.
- Aristotle defines flourishing (eudaimonia) as living a life guided by reason.
- Al Farabi: practical wisdom involves deliberative foresight, moral and natural virtue, and a desire for a morally good end.
- Pregnancy, when freely chosen and supported, can be part of a virtuous life.
- Abolishing pregnancy assumes no wise person would choose it, dismissing its value.
- Aristotle’s "mean" reminds us not to overcorrect.
- Artificial wombs may benefit specific contexts, like medical complications.
- Positioning artificial wombs as the solution ignores how natural pregnancy could become equitable through healthcare, workplace support, and shared caregiving.
Kantian Ethics Perspective
- The principle of humanity requires treating people as ends, not means.
- Framing artificial wombs as ideal implies natural pregnancy is outdated or irrational.
- This risks undermining the autonomy and dignity of those who choose to carry children.
Ethical and Social Consequences of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
- A study published examines the ethical and social consequences of Assisted Reproductive Technologies.
- Technologies like IVF raise issues, including unequal access, commodification of reproductive labor, and exploitation.
- New technologies alone can’t guarantee justice and may create new forms of inequality or pressure.
- The study warns of exploitation risks, especially in poorer/developing countries.
- U.S. gestational carriers might be paid around $20,000, while in India, the same service might only be paid $4,000.
- Women in economically vulnerable situations may be pressured primarily out of financial need.
- If artificial wombs follow suit, mostly available to the wealthy and reliant on outsourced reproductive labour, it could deepen inequality.
- This goes against Kant’s view of autonomy as the foundation of moral action.
Conclusion
- Artificial wombs may serve a purpose in certain situations.
- They should not be seen as a solution to gender inequality.
- True equality stems from transforming the systems around natural pregnancy.
- This includes improving healthcare, respecting all reproductive choices, and ensuring women are free to flourish, with or without pregnancy.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
