‘Is Abortion Permissible?’

Demonstrating that political conflict in an organized and cordial arena can be a force for peace and reconciliation, the Luther College Philosophy Society is hosting a debate between Luther sophomores Ashalul Aden and Shannon Baker at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the Recital Hall of the Center for Faith and Life on Luther’s campus.

The event, sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement, is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Moderated by Philosophy Society president Max Eness, Luther sophomore, the debate approaches the topic of abortion from an ethical and political standpoint. Those participating in the debate aim to have the audience leave the event thinking more deeply about what they believe and more sympathetic to those with different views.

“I am not participating in this debate necessarily to convince others of my opinion,” said Baker, an English and Spanish double major, “but to demonstrate how to approach potentially polarizing topics in a philosophical way that transcends personal biases or heated, regurgitated claims.”

Aden, a political science and international studies double major, feels that abortion is a misunderstood topic that is firmly rooted in women’s rights. “I am hoping I can help others understand my perspective through respectful dialogue with the opposing viewpoint,” she said.

The Philosophy Society is a collection of students with a shared interest in philosophy. The group meets weekly to discuss philosophical questions and works toward encouraging discourse in both public and private settings at Luther. For more information about the Philosophy Society, contact Eness via email at enesma01@luther.edu.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,050, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college’s website: http://www.luther.edu.