mbryos.” His basis for this seeming contradiction is that animals are sentient and can suffer, where the embryo is not yet sentient and cannot suffer. Needless to say, this has many people up in arms, as does his stance on abortion. He is pro-choice, based on the argument that the fetus is non-sentient and incapable of suffering for much of its development. (answers.com)

Suffering is of great concern to Singer and the capacity for suffering and/or enjoyment and happiness is a vital part of his primary philosophy, which is the utilitarian calculation of preferences based on an equal consideration of interests. This is not to say that all interests are equal or that “trivial desires and pleasures” qualify as “interests.” He does not believe that one’s own interests are any more important than someone else’s, but that all comparable interests in any given situation should be evaluated and action taken based on the principle of maximizing the interests of those affected. This comes into play in his argument in support of abortion – the mother’s interests hold greater weight since she is able to suffer and/or be happy and the fetus is not. Consequently, the fetus does not really have “interests” and therefore should not be given equal preference or consideration. (answers.com)

Part II

My Personal Philosophy and How It Relates to Wollstonecraft, Nussbaum and Singer

Let’s start with the basics: I believe there is one Higher Power (let’s just say God, it’s shorter) and many paths to understanding God (as much as any mortal can). Spirituality is the foundation of my life and the source of all the things in my life that truly matter. Spirituality is the heart of God. But what is Spirituality? To me it is an overarching, underlying something… a light meant to illuminate even the darkest corners of our souls. [Yes, I believe that we have souls, that these souls are eternal and that they may or may not manifest in multiple lives over the course of the ages in order to advance an understanding of Spirituality, either in themselves, or in the world at large.] Spirituality to me is a striving to be my best, to connect – with others, with my own highest potential, and with God – in a significant and meaningful way, and to promote the spreading of Light in the world. Wha