Week 2 Assignment
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Week 2 Assignment
The Christian Perspective on the Nature of Human Beings
The Christian perspective regarding the essence of human individuals is founded upon the conviction that humans are fashioned in the image of God. As per the tenets of Christian doctrine, the human species is endowed with a singular significance and possesses a distinctive purpose in life (BioLogos, 2022; Müller, 2020; Murray & Rea, 2021). These entities possess distinctive endowments, aptitudes, and proficiencies unparalleled to other living organisms. Beyond the corporeal form, every individual harbors a metaphysical essence comprising spiritual attributes such as volition, moral discernment, and singularity that set them apart from other entities.
Consequently, the perspective Christians hold posits that individuals of the human species possess immense worth due to their origination as a reflection and embodiment of the divine. Stated differently, the sanctity of human life is derived from its divine origin, as each individual is a constituent of the Almighty's handiwork. The proposition posits that the termination or annihilation of human existence in any manner is impermissible, as it is a bestowal from the divine entity (BioLogos, 2022; Müller, 2020; Murray & Rea, 2021). Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge that individuals bear the onus of their conduct and dispositions and adhere to ethical precepts of rectitude and error, veracity, and equity for their benefit and that of their fellow community constituents.
The Theories Posited To Ascertain the Moral and Legal Standing of the Fetus
Dr. Wilson.
Dr Wilson espouses the theory of scientism, a philosophical stance that posits scientific principles and empirical facts as the fundamental sources of veracity and cognition (SERRC, 2020). The individual's endorsement of pregnancy termination is founded upon the conviction that abortion can be deemed medically and scientifically justifiable under specific circumstances, such as when the fetus exhibits underdeveloped limbs or an increased likelihood of developing Down syndrome. His conviction lies in utilizing empirical evidence and scholarly inquiry to arrive at the optimal course of action for the patient.
Aunt Maria.
Aunt Maria's approach in the case study is rooted in the spirituality theory espoused by Bożek et al. (2020) and Ryff (2021). She draws upon her spiritual convictions and proffers faith-based remedies to the issue. Her dependence on spiritual convictions leads her to the conviction that the resolution of the matter can solely be achieved through divine intervention. The individual implores Jessica to maintain her pregnancy and permit the divine will to manifest, as life’s sanctity is paramount.
Marco
Marco's actions and verbal expressions suggest applying various theoretical frameworks, including stress theory, coping theory, and social support theory, as Thoits (n.d.) and Tindle et al. (2022) posited. The gentleman's declaration of his unwavering support for Jessica's decisions alludes to the social support theory, indicating his preparedness to confront the situation, irrespective of the outcome of Jessica's decision. Moreover, Marco's proposal to delay conveying the news to Jessica until she is psychologically prepared indicates the stress theory. This demonstrates his attentiveness toward his spouse's emotional welfare. The coping theory indicates the individual's capacity to manage the situation effectively, irrespective of their monetary circumstances.
Jessica
Jessica's decision-making and behavioral patterns align with a modern Western worldview, which considers both one's socioeconomic standing and religious convictions as crucial factors in shaping one's choices (Woodley, 2022). The manifestation of her perspective becomes apparent as she perceives her primary obstacle as the precarious nature of her economic circumstances, coupled with her conviction regarding the sanctity of existence. The individual in question is experiencing a challenge in arriving at a resolute determination due to the ambiguity surrounding her financial situation and her adherence to Christian principles.
Influence of the Theories on the Participants’ Recommendation for Actions
Dr Wilson's endorsement of abortion is predicated upon his dependence on the theory of scientism (SERRC, 2020). His conviction in the potency of scientific inquiry and erudition propels him to propose that the cessation of the gestation process is the optimal trajectory to safeguard maternal well-being and augment the likelihood of birthing robust and typical offspring in subsequent times.
Aunt Maria's recommendation is predicated upon her conviction that the sanctity of life is inviolable. Consequently, Jessica should maintain her pregnancy and allow the divine will to manifest itself (Bożek et al., 2020; Ryff, 2021). The facet of her spiritual inclination impels her to solicit spiritual guidance from the clergy and proffer ecclesiastical remedies to the predicament.
Marco's endorsement is founded upon the social support theory, which posits that he is prepared to reinforce any action Jessica may undertake, as he believes that any decision made will be sound and manageable (Thoits, n.d.; Tindle et al., 2022). The gentleman's endorsement of deliberate contemplation before disclosing sensitive information to Jessica is consistent with stress theory, evincing his attentiveness to his spouse's psychological welfare.
Lastly, their situation of Jessica is impacted by her contemporary Western perspective, wherein she finds herself in a quandary between her aspirations for economic security and her conviction that the sanctity of all life must be upheld (Woodley, 2022). This predicament engenders a quandary, rendering it arduous for her to conclude independently.
The Theoretical Framework with which I Concur
My alignment lies with the philosophical theory of scientism, as expounded by the SERRC in 2020. In my view, it is imperative to consider scientific facts and principles when deliberating on matters about the fetus. Incorporating scientific elements into the situation is of utmost significance as it can facilitate the optimal and judicious decision-making process for all parties involved. This theoretical framework affords the safeguarding of maternal well-being while ensuring the possibility of future progeny possessing optimal health and typical development. Moreover, this theoretical framework facilitates comprehension and prognostication of the gestational process, thereby enabling optimal decision-making. The application of scientism facilitates a careful evaluation of the ethical ramifications inherent in the choices at hand, thereby enabling a principled position.
On the whole, it can be posited that scientism represents the most optimal theoretical framework to be considered in the context of cases involving fetal abnormality. This theoretical framework incorporates the scientific facets of the matter, a crucial element in arriving at optimal judgments. Furthermore, this theoretical framework considers the ethical ramifications of the choices made, thereby facilitating the development of a moral standpoint. Moreover, it safeguards maternal well-being and the prospect of producing sound and typical offspring in subsequent times. Henceforth, the theory of scientism presents itself as a rational and pragmatic approach to contemplate within said circumstances.
References
biologos. (2022). How could humans have evolved and still be in the “Image of God”? - Common Question. BioLogos. https://biologos.org/common-questions/how-could-humans-have-evolved-and-still-be-in-the-image-of-god
Bożek, A., Nowak, P. F., & Blukacz, M. (2020). The Relationship between Spirituality, Health-Related Behavior, and Psychological Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01997
Müller, S. (2020). Concepts and Dimensions of Human Dignity in the Christian Tradition. Interdisciplinary Journal for Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society, 6(1), 22–55. https://doi.org/10.30965/23642807-00601003
Murray, M. J., & Rea, M. (2021). Philosophy and Christian Theology (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Stanford.edu. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/christiantheology-philosophy/
Ryff, C. D. (2021). Spirituality and Well-Being: Theory, Science, and the Nature Connection. Religions, 12(11), 914. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12110914
SERRC. (2020, January 30). Scientism Versus the Theory of Mind, Alex Rosenberg. Social Epistemology Review and Reply Collective. https://social-epistemology.com/2020/01/30/scientism-versus-the-theory-of-mind-alex-rosenberg/
Thoits, P. A. (n.d.). Stress, Coping, and Social Support Processes: Where Are We? What Next? Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 35, 53–79. https://doi.org/10.2307/2626957
Tindle, R., Hemi, A., & Moustafa, A. A. (2022). Social support, psychological flexibility and coping mediate the association between COVID-19 related stress exposure and psychological distress. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-12262-w
Woodley, R. (2022). Indigenous Theology and the Western Worldview: A Decolonized Approach to Christian Doctrine. In Google Books. Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Indigenous_Theology_and_the_Western_Worl/VnqSzgEACAAJ?hl=en