tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944248932558389199.post8355933490568947466..comments2024-02-15T19:40:29.872-08:00Comments on neopolitan's philosophical blog: The Fire Triangle (or Triangle of Humanity)neopolitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501854905476808648noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944248932558389199.post-9721409789620460782015-05-17T20:13:52.580-07:002015-05-17T20:13:52.580-07:00Hi Josh,
When I say "independent actualised ...Hi Josh,<br /><br />When I say "independent actualised potential", I mean to distinguish between the unactualised potential inherent in a human sperm and a human ovum that have not yet fused (because they could be considered to be, collectively, a potential human) and a child that, if removed from its mother's womb, could survive independently. In between there are a number of states, including the actualised potential of a zygote that has plenty of developing to do before it can survive independently (and before it develops a brain).<br /><br />An exception to the later discussion about euthanasia is, of course, one in which a female has a living will which asks for life support to be turned off or a more active termination under certain circumstances but overlooks a possible pregnancy. A foetus could develop in the body of a mother who is brain-dead or otherwise has an extinguished intellect, in this case a young foetus could be considered to have dependent actualised potential. This is an issue with its own ethical implications, for example the foetus could be disturbed as a consequence due to a lack of in-uterine interaction with its mother, the event leading to the brain-death of the mother may well have damaged the foetus and some argue for the mother's "right to die". Some argue along lines that would match mine, making a distinction between this "dependent actualised potential" and "independent actualised potential", suggesting that the mother should not be kept alive for the sake of a foetus under 24 weeks (about the time when a premature delivery is likely to result in survival of the infant). However, I think this should be a decision made in conjunction with the father (presuming there is one who is actively involved and not intentionally responsible for the brain death of the mother) and maybe even grandparents or siblings.<br /><br />Fortunately it's a rare occurrence, so there's little point in developing exhaustive legislation - meaning that each case can be considered on its own merits.<br /><br />Hopefully this clarifies what I meant.neopolitanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02501854905476808648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5944248932558389199.post-43183510319322632402015-05-17T17:32:05.363-07:002015-05-17T17:32:05.363-07:00Great article! I enjoyed reading this. My thoughts...Great article! I enjoyed reading this. My thoughts on this subject have changed quite a bit over the past few years.<br /><br />I like your "triangle" definition for human life. Human DNA, independent actualized potential, and experience. Defining human life seems to be the key issue.<br /><br />It seems to me that human genetics plus a central nervous system are the primary biological requirements. It is fuzzy how developed the central nervous system needs to be--at the earliest stages experience probably doesn't take place--that would emerge somewhere along the long path of development.<br /><br />Could you explain what you mean by "independent actualized potential" further?<br /><br />JoshJoshua Willmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00141590324355987426noreply@blogger.com