On the evening of Wednesday, February 1, Michael Pakaluk, Associate
Professor of Philosophy at Clark University, spoke in Hamilton Hall on
the topic "Twenty Questions about Abortion."  The talk took the form
of a monologue in which Professor addressed an imagined pro-choice
person. Having been involved with pro-life activities for many years,
Professor Pakaluk is well acquainted with the approach taken by
pro-choice people, so he was able to respond to answers advocates of
abortion rights typically give and draw parallels between pro-life and
many of the just causes these people also advocate, such as civil
rights. His reasoning relied not on any religious basis, but on a
consistent understanding of common realities such as human rights,
freedom, and conscience.  In one of his questions he used a Stephen
Douglas quotation--replacing a few of the words dealing with slavery
with those surrounding abortion--to demonstrate the parallel between
the two issues.  The talk lasted about an hour, with around half an
hour for questions.  Twelve people attended.  The talk was sponsored
by the Augustine Club.

[Perhaps it might be good to mention that the talk is available via e-mail.]