Helpful Abortion Restrictions? | Perry Hendricks

Brain in a Vat

Perry Hendricks argues that abortion restrictions are beneficial, especially to black women, by preventing them from engaging in what he presupposes is the wrongful act of abortion. The conversation critically examines the ethics of abortion, the impact of restrictions on black women, and the broader societal implications. We discuss paternalism, state authority, the moral status of embryos, and the consequences of imposing restrictions amidst uncertainty about the moral status of abortion.

[00:00] Introduction to the Abortion Debate with Perry Hendricks

[00:09] Thought Experiments on Moral Choices

[01:04] Exploring the Ethics of Abortion Restrictions

[04:02] The Objective vs. Subjective Well-being Debate

[08:15] Revisiting the Ethics and Implications of Abortion Restrictions

[12:01] The Complexities of Abortion Ethics and Societal Impacts

[29:58] Paternalism and Political Legitimacy in Abortion Laws

[34:09] Considering Unborn Children as Citizens: A Philosophical Inquiry

[40:17] The Impact of Abortion Restrictions on Different Groups

[47:40] Navigating Uncertainty in Abortion Ethics

[53:16] The Moral Quandary of Infanticide and Time Travel

[01:01:08] Academic Freedom and the Controversy of Publishing