How do we judge the value of a life, from conception to independent self sustainability? Is there a gradient and what does it look like? What is the value of a sperm or an egg separately, vs together, a blastocyst, a semi formed embryo, etc...
This is an abstract thought experiment, like the trolley problem, not a commentary on personal feelings.
I've been pondering women's rights to bodily autonomy, in relation to child bearing, and I wonder where I stand in relation to other atheists?
For the record, I'm for total bodily autonomy of woman. But my question is more about how society should parse issues relating to the value of a living organism at any given stage.
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That’s a great question as science pushes the boundary of viability. Whatever base value that could be established might be influenced by that factor.
Insurance companies use actuarial formulas to value loss of life or limb. Can that be applied in this case? I haven’t thought about it much.
Markus
Level 7
Apr 23, 2018
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@SpacemanSpiff
In a typical civil justice scenario it would depend on the age of the ill person. Compensation is paid to the survivors. Value is derived from the loss to survivors (payable by a negligent actor for causing the illness resulting in death). The value of a recent college grad might be higher than a newborn. More uncertainty of the value of the loss to the survivors in the case of a newborn. It’s all very sterile feeling to consider.
Check this out. How companies value body parts
[projects.propublica.org]
@SpacemanSpiff
Great question though?
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