Human Being vs Human Person

Summary

The script delves into the debate surrounding personhood and the moral worth of human beings, particularly in the context of abortion. It argues that from the moment of fertilization, a unique human being with the potential for self-transcendence exists, possessing intrinsic dignity and moral worth. This transcendent nature, the script suggests, is the basis for our fundamental human rights and the legal protection we deserve, including for pre-born children.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Scientific evidence supports the existence of a unique human being at the moment of fertilization.
• 🤔 The distinction between 'human being' and 'human person' is discussed, with an emphasis on the latter's moral worth.
• 📜 'Personhood' refers to the intrinsic moral worth of human beings, which is the basis for fundamental human rights and legal protection.
• 🚫 The argument that a human being might lack intrinsic moral worth and thus not deserve legal protection is challenged.
• 💡 Intrinsic moral worth is derived from the human capacity for self-transcendence, the ability to relate to God and experience divine love.
• 🌱 At fertilization, a human being has the same potential for transcendence as any other person, indicating the start of personhood.
• 🔄 There is no substantial change after fertilization that would suggest the emergence of a transcendent nature at a different time.
• 🌟 Every human being with a transcendent nature is considered a person of infinite moral worth.
• 📜 Such persons, including pre-born children, are argued to deserve equal protection under the law.
• 🤰 The script advocates for the legal protection of pre-born children based on their inherent personhood and moral worth.

Q & A

What is the distinction made between a 'human being' and a 'human person' in the script?

The script distinguishes 'human being' as a biological fact that begins at fertilization, while 'human person' refers to the intrinsic moral worth and dignity, which includes the right to legal protection.

Why do some abortion advocates differentiate between a 'human being' and a 'human person'?

Abortion advocates differentiate between a 'human being' and a 'human person' to argue that a human being may exist without possessing personhood, which they associate with intrinsic moral worth and legal protection.

What is 'personhood' according to the script?

According to the script, 'personhood' refers to the intrinsic moral worth of human beings, which grants them fundamental human rights, including the right to be protected under the law.

What is the source of intrinsic moral worth as described in the script?

The intrinsic moral worth comes from the human capacity for self-transcendence, which includes the ability to relate to God and to give and receive love.

At what point does the script argue that personhood begins?

The script argues that personhood begins at the moment of fertilization, as this is when a being with the potential for self-transcendence and a Transcendent nature is formed.

Why does the script claim that there is no substantial change after fertilization that would affect personhood?

The script claims that there is no substantial change after fertilization that would affect personhood because the potential for a Transcendent nature is established at fertilization, and no further change alters this fundamental characteristic.

How does the script link personhood to legal protection?

The script links personhood to legal protection by asserting that any human being with a Transcendent nature, and therefore personhood, has infinite moral worth and deserves equal protection under the law.

What does the script say about the moral worth of pre-born children?

The script asserts that pre-born children, like all human beings with a Transcendent nature, possess infinite moral worth and therefore deserve equal protection under the law.

What is the 'power for self-transcendence' mentioned in the script?

The 'power for self-transcendence' mentioned in the script refers to the human ability to relate to God and engage in giving and receiving love, which is the basis for intrinsic moral worth.

Why is the moment of fertilization significant in the script's argument?

The moment of fertilization is significant in the script's argument because it is viewed as the point where a unique human being with the potential for self-transcendence, and thus personhood, is formed.