We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins. When those trained in the respective disciplines of medicine, philosophy, and theology are unable to arrive at any consensus, the judiciary, at this point in the development of man's knowledge, is not in a position to speculate as to the answer.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the question of when life begins is complex and unresolved, and thus the judiciary should not attempt to provide an answer.
Harry A. Blackmun emphasizes the complexity surrounding the question of when life begins, pointing out that experts from various fields—medicine, philosophy, and theology—have not reached a consensus on this matter. As such, he suggests that the judiciary should refrain from speculating on this issue given the current state of knowledge. This reflects the broader philosophical debate on the nature of life and the implications of defining it.
In practice
This quote could be used in a debate about bioethics or abortion rights.
I cannot see any of these death penalty cases where there hasn't been a violation on the ground of either poverty or race. If we can ever get that straightened out, it will help. But, of course, the real answer to it is to do away with the death penalty.
From this day forward, I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death. ... I fell morally and intellectually obligated simply to concede that the death penalty experiment has failed.
Of one thing, however, I am certain. Just as an execution without adequate safeguards is unacceptable, so too is an execution when the condemned prisoner can prove that he is innocent. The execution of a person who can show that he is innocent comes perilously close to simple murder.
The right of an individual to conduct intimate relationships in the intimacy of his or her own home seems to me to be the heart of the Constitutions protection of privacy.
From this day forward, I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death.
In order to get beyond racism, we must first take account of race. There is no other way. And in order to treat some persons equally, we must treat them differently.
The dizziness in the face of les espaces infinis--only overcome if we dare to gaze into them without any protection. And accept them as the reality before which we must justify our existence. For this is the truth we must reach to live, that everything is and we just in it.
Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong... It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum not as two opposing sets of ideals.
The Way is hidden and nameless. Still only the Way nourishes and completes.
Repentance will not make you see Christ; but to see Christ will give you repentance.
When the last living thing Has died on account of us, How poetical it would be If Earth could say, In a voice floating up Perhaps From the floor Of the Grand Canyon, "It is done." People did not like it here.
Dead men do not cooperate with grace. Unless regeneration takes place first, there is no possibility of faith.
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