Description
Book SynopsisBooks on abortion (other than collections of readings) typically express and defend a particular position. This book gives both sides, as evenly and objectively as possible; it gets to the heart of each position, the core idea which animates it. It then leaves the reader to make up his or her own mind. It is an introduction to the issue, not only to the basic positions on the issue. Despite being brief, it contains careful analyses and discussions of many topics often not found at all in other works. The treatment is thorough and detailed, but succinct. Understanding Abortion: From Mixed Feelings to Rational Thought is aimed at all people who want a better understanding of what the two sides on this issue are really saying, and what reasons they give for their position. Many people assume that this issue is an interminable one, with no clear answers; a purely emotional debate that cannot be addressed by the use of reasoned arguments. The book shows that this is not the case.
Trade ReviewThis self-described 'fair and balanced' philosophical work by Schwarz (emer., Univ. of Rhode Island) presents the major classic moral arguments on abortion in hopes that 'each person will arrive at his own position.' Addressing pro-choice and pro-life rights arguments without appeal to religion, the book pits the pro-choice 'not-a-person' argument against the pro-life claim that being a person is different from functioning as a person. The author discusses fetal pain, and endorses 'the unity way' that emphasizes adoption and the harm that abortion does to women. ....Clearly presented, accessible, and useful for summarizing standard accounts of pro-life and pro-choice positions.... Summing Up: Recommended. * CHOICE *
Books about abortion rarely carefully engage the arguments of the two opponents in depth, strive to engage a broad range of such arguments, and manage to accomplish both feats in a way that is accessible to the educated non-specialist—this book does all three. By moving beyond the 'liberal/conservative' binary approach to abortion, Schwarz and Latimer shift the discussion in a way which better reflects the complex views of the American people on this, the most polarizing and misunderstood issue of our time. -- Charles Camosy, Fordham University
Understanding Abortion: From Mixed Feelings to Rational Thought by Stephen D. Schwarz, with Kiki Latimer, is framed as a fair and balanced discussion of the pro-life and pro-choice views in regards to abortion. * Metapsychology Online *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction Part I. The Pro-Choice Moral Position Chapter 2: The Feminist Quality of Life Argument Chapter 3: The General Quality of Life Argument Chapter 4: The Not-a-Person Argument Chapter 5: the No-Duty-to-Sustain Argument Part II. The Pro-Life Moral Position Chapter 6: The Reality of the Child in the Womb Chapter 7: Abortion Means Killing this Child Chapter 8: Abortion Causes Pain to the Child Chapter 9: The Dignity of the Human Person Part III. Further Moral Considerations Chapter 10: Some Pro-Choice Replies to Pro-Life Claims Chapter 11: When does a Person Begin to Exist? Chapter 12: Other Approaches Chapter 13: What Should We Do if We are in Doubt? Part IV. The Legal Question Chapter 14: The Legal Status: Pro-Choice and Pro-Life Chapter 15: The Role of Government Chapter 16: Other Significant Legal Aspects Chapter 17: The Hard Cases: Rape, Life of the Woman, Severe Deformities Part V. Concluding Topics Chapter 18: Safety Issues Chapter 19: Going Beyond Abortion: The Unity Way Chapter 20: Ultimate Issues About the Authors
