Civil Dialogue on Abortion

Bertha Alvarez Manninen is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Arizona State University, USA.Jack Mulder, Jr. is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Hope College, USA.

• Introduction, Bertha Alvarez Manninen and Jack Mulder, Jr. Why I am Pro-Choice, Bertha Alvarez Manninen. Why I am Pro-Life, Jack Mulder, Jr. Response to Mulder, Bertha Alvarez Manninen. Response to Manninen, Jack Mulder, Jr. Convergences and Divergences, Bertha Alvarez Manninen and Jack Mulder, Jr. Conclusion. Index

"Bertha Manninen and Jack Mulder show us how to engage with our opponents thoughtfully, critically, and respectfully while illuminating the moral and philosophical complexities behind the abortion debate. Their dialogue opens a path to peaceful coexistence and better policy compromises when citizens hold widely divergent views."Laurie Shrage, Florida International University, USA"Aristotle wrote that while both are dear, piety requires philosophers to honor truth above our friends. Fortunately, what Manninen and Mulder illustrate here is the reality of honoring both truth and our friends, even on the controversial topic of abortion. In doing so, they provide a valuable service for those looking for model civil dialogue on this issue – indeed, on any issue." Russell DiSilvestro, California State University, Sacramento, USA"With civil dialogue on any controversial issue an increasing rarity, Civil Dialogue on Abortion could not be more timely. Manninen and Mulder offer an honest and scholarly look at the reasons behind their pro-choice and pro-life views and disagreements, and give a hopeful but realistic account of where they find common ground. I can think of few better ways for students to learn the intellectual map of the abortion debate while being presented with a model for how that debate should be carried out."Christopher Tollefsen, University of South Carolina, USA