A thought experiment by Jeff McMahon involving Disability.
Thought Experiment
- Suppose there is a drug that has a complex set of efects
- Aphrodisiac
- Increases fertility during ovulation
- High probability of damaging egg such that any child that is conceived will be disabled
- Disability induced by this drug allows them to live, but most parents would rather not let their child have this disability
Responses
- Many of us would hold that it is wrong to take this drug for your own pleasure
- However, people that respond and are against genetic screening hold the belief that:
- It is wrong to prevent having disabled children
- It is wrong to deprive the ability to have disabled children
- But, they can’t say anything about causing disabilities
- In short, the arguments of opponents of screening imply that it would be permissible for the woman to take the drug, and that it would be wrong to even voice objections to her actions
- It is wrong to cause disabilities (Causing Disability Thought Experiment)