What is the sorites reasoning behind the Infanticide Argument?
A) A difference in one grain of sand cannot make a difference to whether you have a heap of sand.
B) A difference in spatial location cannot make a difference to whether a fetus has a particular moral status.
C) A difference of a few hours cannot make a difference to whether a fetus has a particular moral status.
D) Both b and c

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Infanticide Argument uses sorites reasoning to argue that if we accept that a fetus has a particular moral status, then we must also accept that a newborn baby has the same moral status. This argument rests on the premise that there is no morally relevant difference between a fetus shortly before birth and a newborn baby. The reasoning for this is that if a difference in spatial location (whether inside or outside the womb) or a difference of a few hours (between being a fetus and being a newborn) cannot make a difference to the moral status of an individual, then there is no morally relevant difference between a fetus and a newborn baby. Therefore, if we believe that it is morally wrong to kill a newborn baby, we must also believe that it is morally wrong to abort a fetus shortly before birth.

What Is the Sorites Reasoning Behind the Infanticide Argument