Talk by Agnes Kandlbinder on "Disability bioethics at the beginning of human life: exploring intuitions, moral dilemmas, and heterogenous truths" (21. Mai 2025)
The talk is part of Brian McGowans lecture "Disability (Studies), Inclusion and Human Rights" FS 2025: 376-1225-00 V
When:
21. Mai 2025; 10:15 – 12:00 Uhr
Where:
HG G 26.1; Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zürich, Schweiz
Abstract
This session provides an introduction to the intersection of the disciplines of bioethics and disability studies. Key moral philosophical concepts will be presented with a particular focus on theories of well-being. Zooming in on the beginning of human life, we will look at some pressing moral questions and prominent philosophical ideas about who should reproduce and how, what obligations we have towards our (possible) children, and the role of reproductive autonomy. This will reveal that prenatal and preimplantation bioethics are prone to the influence of genetic essentialism and anti-disability biases. In addition, we will critically engage with how disability-rights language has been appropriated by parts of the anti-abortion movement. With the help of case studies, we will subsequently explore our own intuitions about moral obligations at the beginning of human life and grapple with the complexities that shape the space between moral theory and lived experience.