Contemporary Philosophy 20th Century Onward Questions Medium
Judith Jarvis Thomson, an influential philosopher in contemporary philosophy, made significant contributions to various areas of philosophical inquiry. Her work primarily focused on moral philosophy, bioethics, and metaphysics, and she is best known for her groundbreaking arguments on abortion and personal identity.
One of Thomson's most notable contributions is her defense of abortion rights through her famous thought experiment known as the "Violinist Analogy." In this analogy, she argues that even if we grant that a fetus has a right to life, it does not necessarily follow that abortion is morally impermissible. Thomson contends that a woman's right to bodily autonomy outweighs the fetus's right to use her body without her consent, just as it would be permissible to unplug oneself from a violinist who is attached to one's body against their will. This argument challenged traditional views on abortion and sparked extensive debates on the topic.
Thomson also made significant contributions to the field of personal identity. In her paper "People and Their Bodies," she explores the concept of personal identity and challenges the idea that personal identity is solely dependent on the continuity of physical bodies. Thomson argues that personal identity is not tied to the physical body but rather to psychological continuity, including memories, beliefs, and desires. This perspective opened up new avenues for understanding personal identity and influenced subsequent discussions in metaphysics and philosophy of mind.
Furthermore, Thomson's work extended beyond abortion and personal identity. She made important contributions to bioethics, particularly in the field of medical ethics. Her paper "A Defense of Abortion" also touched upon the ethics of medical experimentation and the moral status of non-human animals. Thomson's nuanced and thought-provoking arguments continue to shape contemporary debates in these areas.
Overall, Judith Jarvis Thomson's contributions to contemporary philosophy have been significant and far-reaching. Her arguments on abortion and personal identity have challenged traditional views, stimulated intellectual discourse, and influenced subsequent philosophical discussions. Her work continues to be studied and debated, making her a prominent figure in contemporary philosophy.