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Quote by: Prometheus Forget what or who is self aware. There are people born who are mentally retarded to the point that they are not self aware. It's a moot point.
Besides, "self aware" is a fuzzy term. We call ourselves "self aware" but have no idea what it means. It may be nothing more than a special instinct that we have. |
I actually doubt that a surviving person afflicted with MR does not have self-awareness. In any case, I WILL NOT forget self awareness but will fight for both choice for the mother of a fetus who cannot be self-aware and for the rights of those known to be self aware. What is it about being a human that gives us dignity, that makes life worthwhile, that gives us a right to life? If it is not consciousness, self-awareness, and related abilities, even if severely constricted, then I don't know what does.
[to others in addition to Prometheus:]
If you think that nothing gives humans that dignity, then I applaud your right to believe that but caution you not to act on it.
Or if, like Pale Rider, you think that it is mere biology that gives humans that dignity, I find that position disgusting -- but of course it is your right to hold disgusting positions.
Or if you define such dignity in terms of a supernatural soul or some other unmeasurable entity, I of course recognize your freedom of religion to believe such things -- but I deny your right to impose your religious beliefs on others.