Description
The purpose of this assignment is to increase your knowledge of prenatal development and to reflect on a question that is considered somewhat controversial: “When does life begin?”
Assignment Instructions:
- Locate the article identified below in the Jerry Falwell Library and download a PDF copy of it. If you need assistance with conducting online research, please contact one of our librarians at research@liberty.edu or call 434-592-3362
Irving, D. N. (1999). When do human beings begin? Scientific myths and scientific facts. The International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 19(3), 22-46. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01443339910788730 - Read the article, and identify two arguments for the position which states that life begins at conception, and identify two arguments for the position which states that life begins at a later point in development.
- Write a brief essay (500-800 words) reflecting on what you have learned. Identify which argument you believe has the greatest support from a scientific perspective. See the suggested outline provided below.
- Please note that while this issue does have significant moral and spiritual implications, this essay should focus on the scientific arguments outlined in the assigned article.
Suggested Outline:
1) In your first paragraph explain present the issue and explain why it is important to the study of prenatal development.
2) In your second paragraph briefly describe at least two arguments that support the idea that human life begins at conception.
3) In your third paragraph briefly describe at least two arguments that support the idea that human life begins later in development
4) In your final paragraph, summarize and reflect on which position you believe has the most support from a scientific perspective. Explain why you believe this is the strongest argument.