"a radical individualistic notion of "self ownership" "
Is the concept of "self ownership" really so radically individualistic? If I don't own my body, who does? I would suggest that the opposite viewpoint, that my person belongs to "society", is the radical one. If society owns me, than they can just as easily decide I should be dead as they can insist that I stay alive.
God, your creator owns you. That is the radical 3rd way that avoids both the tyranny of the individual and the tyranny of the collective.
Lifesite news is a Pro-life website. Their philosophy is a Christian one-the belief that life, from conception to a natural death is a gift from the Creator, aka God.
Since Mr. Smith's article is on their site, I assume he also shares a pro-life stance, even perhaps that their is some merit in suffering.
I look at it another way - for something to be urged or mandated, it first has to be established as a good. The euthanasia forces are on the way with that.
Mrs VS
These folks would say God does I believe.
I would suggest that the opposite viewpoint, that my person belongs to "society", is the radical one.
I would concur in that.
If society owns me, than they can just as easily decide I should be dead as they can insist that I stay alive.
That's why we've got to be constantly on guard against anyone who says that you don't own yourself.
L