The Slippery Slope Confronting Itself


Δημοσιευμένα: Mar 25, 2020
Λέξεις-κλειδιά:
Slippery Slope Argument Utilitarianism Bioethics Medical Ethics Euthanasia Cloning Applied Ethics Potential Danger
Evangelos D. Protopapadakis
Περίληψη

This article examines the "slippery slope" argument (the slippery slope argument), a significant legacy of Utilitarianism in Applied Ethics, particularly within Bioethics and Medical Ethics. The author explores the essence of the argument, which dictates that an ethical choice must be evaluated based on its potential future consequences; if the potential risks outweigh the certain benefits, the choice should be rejected. The text analyzes the application of this reasoning to critical dilemmas such as abortion, euthanasia, and cloning. In the case of euthanasia, the slippery slope argument serves as a primary barrier to its legalization, citing the historical precedent of Nazi Germany as a warning of how initially limited ethical concessions can lead to uncontrolled atrocities. Regarding cloning, it highlights fears of dehumanization and the creation of "Hitler-like" copies. Ultimately, the author turns the argument against itself, suggesting that if the slippery slope reasoning is used to block scientific progress and the potential relief of human suffering based on mere speculation, it may itself be "potentially dangerous".

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