Philosophy 20: Ethics

Pierce College

Department of History, Philosophy, & Sociology

Group Exercise for Thomson's Right to Life

(Notes on the importance of group exercises.)

Group Work Summary: In groups, explore the implications of Thomson's redefinition of the right to life: "the right to life consists not in the right not to be killed, but rather in the right not to be killed unjustly." 

Step 1 (ten minutes): Individually, write out what you think that right obviously means, obviously doesn't mean, and what it could mean. Don't be afraid to be creative–as long as you are not intentionally offensive.

Step 2 (ten minutes):  In groups discuss, in turn, your individual findings.

Step 3 (ten minutes):  In groups, craft your group's to what you think that right obviously means, obviously doesn't mean, and what it could mean. Don't be afraid to be creative–as long as you are not intentionally offensive.

Step 4 (ten minutes):  Each group presents their lists.