Philosophy 230
Short Essay Topic: The Moral Status of Abortion
Due Monday, April 26th


The Moral Status of Abortion

In class we examined three distinct approaches to the morality of abortion--those of Marquis,
Steinbock, and Thomson.  Your task in this 3-5 page (typed, double-spaced) essay is to
set out and critically evaluate one of these approaches.  In developing your discussion, you
should be careful to provide the following:

    --A careful explanation of the view that the author develops and defends regarding the moral
          status of abortion

    --A careful examination of any arguments that the author develops in defense of his or her view

    --A critical evaluation of the author's view, including an explanation of one or more important
          potential objections to the view and a discussion of how the author might respond

Given your discussion, what conclusions do you think we can reach regarding the moral status
of abortion?


Note:  Please feel free to ask for my help as you're working on your essay.  I'll be happy to
            answer your questions.  I'll even read an outline or a rough draft and give you some ideas
            for what might improve it.

Please review my comments on plagiarism in the syllabus. Minimum penalty for intentionally
            plagiarized work is an 'F' in the course.   If you consult any sources (other than our text)
             in writing the essay, you must include a bibliography that cites all the sources you used.

Essays will be due Monday, April 26th.