Unveiling the Bias: A Deep Dive into Morality and Abortion

This an distillation of a research paper I wrote in 2022, while enrolled at Nashville State Community College.

Thesis

In the relentless quest for truth within human society, the persistent inequality between sexes not only poisons our individual cultures and power structures but also skews our very understanding of morality and its pursuit. This was the central theme of a critique I recently stumbled upon while exploring the contentious debate surrounding abortion and its moral implications, specifically after reading Don Marquis's paper, Why Abortion is Immoral.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/2026961?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

A Reflection on Don Marquis's Argument

Don Marquis, in his work "Why Abortion is Immoral," non-religiously contests the practice of abortion by underpinning his argument on the prima facie wrongness of killing. He posits that abortion, the termination of a fetus, eradicates all potential future experiences that fetus might have had, thus deeming abortion as fundamentally immoral. While his argument appears robust at face value, it inadvertently overlooks the inherent biases deeply embedded within the foundations of morality.

Nietzsche's Perspective: Morality as a Tool of Control

Frederick Nietzsche’s examination of morality reveals it as a construct designed to dull instincts and prime individuals for control. This 'master and slave' morality — where master morality values power and autonomy, while slave morality prizes altruism and humility — outlines how morality has been manipulated by the powerful to enslave the masses under the guise of ethical conduct.

The Gendered Biases of Morality

What is strikingly evident is how morality, historically shaped by a male-dominated narrative, fails to incorporate the unique experiences of women. This exclusion has led to a morality framework that inherently biases against women, defining them through a lens of inferiority and submission. This skewed moral landscape is further exemplified in the philosophical divide between standard and feminist theory, highlighting the gender biases that permeate our understanding of morality.

Aristotle and the Sexist Underpinnings of Philosophy

Aristotle’s philosophy, which views women as inferior beings, incomplete males, or merely carriers of matter, has significantly influenced modern philosophy's sexist undertones. This perpetuates a cycle where the moral and ethical discourse surrounding women, particularly in the context of abortion, is marred by these ancient but enduring biases.

Redefining Morality and the Moral Discourse on Abortion

The critique of Marquis's argument against abortion thus lies in the recognition that morality, as currently conceived, is unequally applied with respect to sex. This inequality in moral consideration precludes an honest application of moral ideals to the topic of abortion. To genuinely address the moral complexities of abortion, one must first acknowledge and dismantle the biases that underlie our moral frameworks.

The Personal Sacrifice and Moral Status of Pregnancy

Exploring the analogy between warfare and pregnancy reveals a societal tendency to valorize the sacrifices of men while diminishing those of women. This double standard obscures the profound sacrifices involved in pregnancy, relegating women's experiences and choices to a lesser moral consideration.

Toward a More Inclusive Moral Framework

The discussion should thus shift from questioning the moral permissibility of abortion to challenging the moral justification of denying access to abortion under any circumstance. This reframed question respects the personhood of pregnant individuals and acknowledges the complex moral landscape of pregnancy.

Conclusion: A Call for a Radical Re-evaluation of Morality

In conclusion, to navigate the moral quagmire surrounding abortion and other issues of gender inequality, a radical re-establishment of morality and truth is necessary. One that harmoniously integrates women's ideas and contributions, eliminating the need to distinguish between 'standard' theory and feminist theory, and paving the way for a truly universal moral theory. Only through such a transformative approach can we begin to illuminate the profound biases that cloud our moral judgments and move toward a more equitable and truthful understanding of morality.

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This exploration into the biases inherent in our moral frameworks reveals the deep-seated inequalities that shape our societal and philosophical discourses. As we strive to understand and navigate these complex moral landscapes, it becomes imperative to question, critique, and ultimately redefine the principles that guide our moral compass, ensuring they encompass the diverse experiences and perspectives that make up the human condition.