Eugenics talk and the language of bioethics
2008
The Legitimacy of Eugenics Talk in Bioethics
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Stephen Wilkinson
Primary Institution: Keele University
Hypothesis
Is 'eugenics talk' legitimate and useful in bioethical discussions, or should it be avoided?
Conclusion
The best argument for avoiding eugenics talk is the Autonomy Argument, which suggests that its emotive power can bypass critical thinking.
Supporting Evidence
- The Autonomy Argument suggests that emotive language can manipulate people's reasoning.
- Many agree that eugenics talk is emotive and can bypass critical thinking.
- Using eugenics talk can sometimes shock people into thinking critically about important issues.
Takeaway
Some people think using the word 'eugenics' is bad because it can make others stop thinking clearly. But sometimes, it can help people think about important issues.
Potential Biases
The discussion may be influenced by the author's own views on eugenics and bioethics.
Limitations
The paper does not provide empirical data to support its claims.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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