I don't mean to offend anybody, but whoever answers that question with a definite Yes or a definite No is just blowing smoke.
This isn't just a scientific question, this is a spiritual question. There will never be hard proof that validates one opinion or the other.
Of course the assertion that we should consider that life begins with the first signs of brain activity sounds logical. But even that is just a theory that is difficult to be validated since many people have a different perception of what constitues "life".
Well said, not only because I agree, but because it cuts to the chase of where the rubber meets the road as it were. There are no right or wrong answers. The most we can hope for is to agree on a set of "objective" facts, and then it comes down to aesthetics, a priori assumptions, and yes - faith. But if we can at least get to that point, maybe some of the toxicity of the debate will wane; in fact I think it already is to some extent. Many folks are tired of the strident rhetoric I think on both sides, to the point perhaps, where the "fed ups" may be reaching critical mass. At least that is my hope, to the extent it is not quite reality yet.
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