The Unaborted Socrates: A Dramatic Debate on the Issues Surrounding Abortion

by Peter Kreeft

Is abortion a woman's right?
When does human life begin?
Should we legislate morality? What would happen if the Socrates of old suddenly appeared in modern Athens? Peter Kreeft imagines the dialog that might ensue with three worthy opponents--a doctor, a philosopher and a psychologist--about the arguments surrounding abortion. Kreeft uses Socratic technique to strip away the emotional issues and get to the heart of the rational objections to abortion. Logic joins humor as Socrates challenges the standard rhetoric and passion of the contemporary debate.

Genres: Philosophy, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Politics, Catholic

155 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1983

About the author

Peter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I give this book four instead of five stars is because in the real world, no one could ever have this type of reasoned debate. Many arguments surrounding abortion are riddled with personal biases and assumptions, and it takes a lot of skill to know how to parse an argument down into actionable ingredients. Arguing intelligently while honoring the dignity of an opponent is something Kreeft demonstrated really well in this book.

[Karlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a while. Although it seems very direct (example of which is at the bottom of the review) it also contains subtle wordplays, like this one in which the word is about following the common master, i.e. the reason. Notice the different pictures of the master these two fellow speakers have.

"Socrates: If we are rational, yes. Either we answer the objection or concede the point.
Herrod: You serve a severe master.
Socrates: And you?
Herrod: (Sigh.)
Socrates: Why do you hesitate?
Herrod: It seems I must choose—not just about this argument and not just about abortion, but about the common master first.
Socrates: Yes, you are wise to perceive that order of priorities and also the fact that the common master must be freely chosen. He will not force himself upon us. He is like the light: gentle. If we choose to dose our eyelids, he will not shine through them against our will.
Herrod: I can do no less than you if I am honest. Let us continue to follow this severe master."

The aforementioned, more direct quote which I also consider worth pointing out:

"Socrates: The chauvinists among you, ancient or modern, deduce from the true premise that sexual differences are innate and natural, the false conclusion that women are the inferior sex; and the unisexists among you deduce from the true premise that women are not the inferior sex the false conclusion that sexual differences are not natural. You see, both sides, far apart as they seem to be, commit the same error: they assume the false premise that all natural differences are differences in value, differences between the inferior and the superior. Deny this common premise and both arguments fall. My diagnosis is that your chauvinism and your unisexism, while seemingly opposite, are deeply similar. They both share your modern confusion between justice and equality. That’s why you want to turn women into men by “liberating” them from their wombs, from their own nature, their glory and their uniqueness. That’s why I called you a chauvinist. The worst kind, I think; for at least the chauvinists of the past, who spoke of women as the weaker sex, did not want to take a woman’s very womanhood from her."

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent introduction to the abortion debate using logic and reason. Kreeft hits at the main point that must be determined: Is the fetus a person? He discusses many of the various tactics used by pro-choice folks to try to defend their position. One reviewer rightly said that the main drawback to the book is that you cannot get into a rational debate about abortion like the one presented in this book. I agree, but that does not make the book pointless. Kreeft's arguments are excellent and need to be kept in mind by pro-life folks as they discuss abortion. Many of the common pro-choice arguments are unmasked in this book.

As an added bonus, you get to learn a bit about logic as you read.

Read this in 2017 and again in 2025.

I am going to use in a logic class as an example of how logic can work in the real world. The main point of the book is not that you can follow it precisely and therefore win the argument. The main point is how pro-choice arguments fail on all fronts. It strengthens the anti-abortion/pro-life argument.

One key difference from when this book was written vs. today is that many women who have an abortion know the child is a person. They just do not care. Kreeft assumes that if you can prove it is a person, the opponent will concede the field because killing innocent people is wrong. But what if they don't concede the field? What if they know it is a person and are perfectly fine to kill it? What do we do then?

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing!!! I love the format, some might be annoyed by it (it reads like a script), but I loved the Socratic exchanges. In light of the Women's March yesterday, this month being Right to Life Month, this book is extremely timely. Sadly I think most people today simply assume their reasons for abortion without analyzing their reasons for it. In a world with 140 characters per argument you can't tease out the intricacies of an argument like one that is necessary for this issue of abortion. Why do we need to spend time analyzing our reasons? Because if that fetus is a baby then we are ending a life (murder) and this is one of the worst things we can do, and people spend little to no time thinking it through, instead we hear anecdotes and pithy (not well thought out arguments) and claim to be pro something. Instead let's break the norm and think deeply in this!! Life is too important to throw away without analysis!! Read this book to think deeply and be challenged! Highly recommended!!!

[Morgan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all wish to learn how to logically refute the abortion issue. Socrates (excuse me, Peter Kreet) does an excellent job weaving theology, rhetoric, and the Socratic method to address and refute the arguments around abortion as well as other important debates such as depravity, sexuality, good versus evil, subjective truth, and more. 10/10 recommend!

[Angela Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Dialog One at our last CCLE conference. I'm looking forward to reading about Socrates at a philosophy convention and in a psych ward.

Now that I've finished the book I have to say this is a clever way to examine abortion philosophically. It's definitely on the required reading list for my high-schoolers.

[Josh Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this book critiquing the worst evil in America today: abortion… or as Peter Kreeft would probably say, the philosophy that justifies abortion and enslaves our society to its destructive tenets. Kreeft is a natural law philosopher, so his arguments are based purely on logic and reason. They're obnoxious to his "pupils," but hard as iron. This is a good read.

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This won’t convince anyone to become pro-life unless they’re already on the fence, but it is an enjoyable way to think through the arguments. It all comes down to whether or not the fetus is a human.

I do think he should have spent more time on cases of rape. And cases where the mother’s life is in danger were not discussed at all (as far as I remember). Also, I understand that the Socratic dialogue needs to stick to logical arguments, but in our contemporary reality, that should be couched within a greater degree of empathy and personalization (story) than is done here.

Overall, this book shines as an apologetic for those already in the pro-life camp, to sharpen their own thinking about the matter.

[Carson Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing debate. Socrates is very funny and entertaining. In real life, he probably should have been a lot less civil -- Herrod is a murderer, after all. But Kreeft still did a fantastic job. Anyone who can keep up with the rabbit trails needs to definitely read this book.

[Julia Shamoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped to strengthen my argument of why abortion is wrong. I just wish that they had factored the Creator into the argument.

[Lucy O'Brien · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you for the book, Dad.

This was psychological warfare. DO NOT READ! And let me say this—justice for Socrates. I believe he would be profoundly offended if he read this.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slightly more impartial than Fox News...slightly. "Socrates said something that hurts the argument I'm using him as a mouthpiece for? Weeellll...he changed his mind while dead. In Heaven. With the Christian God in whom he never believed."

[Jody Erikson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"did we not agree to be rational? and being ratonal means following reason, following the argument whever it leads, not following me or following you."

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on abortion I've ever read. Kreeft covers every major angle of this divisive issue from a purely scientific and logical perspective.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Kreeft, he’s funny. Socrates however, he’s irritating. The gadfly of Athens strikes again. Great discussion with the students on logic, Socratic dialog, and abortion.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book shows pro-abortion arguments fall if the fetus is a person and that the question of the personality of the fetus is the heart of the debate. Well worth reading.

[Ry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, I like debating and stuff in class for school, but the book was a little confusing. With an explanation from my teacher, it makes more sense, so I like the basic idea, just the way it was written was a little confusing. (Socrates is confusing. XDD)

(I don't know the actual date I started reading it. XD)

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this read despite the heavy subject matter. Socrates’ character is perfectly humble, playful, and thoughtful. I love how the text challenges the audience into contemplation. A lot of these points are quickly dropped in modern times; we “agree to disagree” all too quickly.

A mote for myself to remember: One of my favorite points was at the end of Dialog One, a point about evacuating a building.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creative look at the subject of abortion. A dialogue between a Socrates brought back to the modern world and a doctor, philosopher and psychologist. A strong pro-life message that is quite convincing.

[Tirzah Eleora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great exploration of the arguments in favor of abortion! Socrates examines the logic (or lack thereof) of the pro-choice positions of an abortionist, an ethicist, and a psychiatrist with solid reasoning and a sense of humor. It's a surprisingly easy read that presents a good example of orderly thinking for students of logic, as well as being a great apology for the sanctity of life!
I'm looking forward to reading more of Kreeft's Socrates books.

[Jake Litwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read!

[Jason Mccool · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that I start and finish a book the same day I get it, but Peter Kreeft really hit a home run with this short little series of 3 dialogues between the resurrected Socrates and an abortion doctor (Dr. Rex Herrod), an ethicist (Professor Atilla Tarian), and a psychologist ("Pop" Syke). Socrates discusses the issue of abortion with each character in search of truth and wisdom on this issue. In the process, he exposes logical inconsistencies in each of their positions through a merciless application of (appropriately) the Socratic method of questioning. Kreeft divides the 155 page book into 3 dialogues, with no intervening stopping points, hence my reading it in 2 sittings today. The dialogue flows quickly and humorously, making for a good page-turner. Socrates is not some ancient, stuffy character, but a sharp, witty teacher with a laser focus on paring away false premises and contradictions to uncover the truth hidden in the controversial and typically very emotional issue at hand.

The idea of actively seeking truth is a lost art in today's culture, and Kreeft's imaginative encouragement of that pursuit is refreshing. In Dialogue 3 with "Pop" Syke, Socrates sums up his drive well when he says, "It is finding the truth that makes me happy. And it is argument that enables me to find the truth. So if you are truly my friend, you will help me by arguing with me. For I find that in this great quest two travel faster than one, and the truth emerges like sparks from struck flint and steel when two minds come together in dialog."

At another point, we have the following exchange.
Socrates: Which of the two premises do you deny?
Syke: I don't know, but I do know that the conclusion just can't be true.
Socrates: How do you know that?
Syke: I don't know. I never thought about that. I just do.
Socrates: I see you are in need of my services.

Aren't we all in need of the services of logic? If you have ever been unable to articulate your point of view clearly, or following your ideas to their conclusion led to something absurd, come dialogue with the master and learn to formulate coherent thoughts with sound conclusions. This book gives a lively and current application of principles of analytical reasoning forgotten by many today.

[Russell Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good defense of pro-life beliefs in the form of Socratic dialogue. For Kreeft, it all comes down to whether the fetus is a person.

For me, regardless of whether from the moment of conception the fetus is actually a "person" as the term is commonly or properly understood, it can hardly be argued that the fetus is alive according to the biological and lay meanings, and that it is clearly not, as Kreeft would say, a fish. And because it is either a person or a "potential person," to kill (since it is alive, it is killing) it is, if not murder, at least reprehensible, and worse than killing, say, any kind of animal. To view it as something as simple as removal of an organ is a plain denial - for one, organs do not have a unique genetic code.

[Jason Twombly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kreeft's creative dialogues in "The Unaborted Socrates" are a philosophical technique employed by resurrecting Socrates. The scapular logic of the Gadfly of Athens drills down to the necessary core presuppositions. He makes a valiant effort handling such an emotional issue with intellectual honesty and a rational rhetoric.

At times there is a bit of humor (well, he's no Dane Cook) insofar as a philosopher can make you laugh. Those on the other side of the debate should consider the arguments in this book and tangle with the truth...a fetus is a person or in the famed words of Dr. Suess, "A person is a person no matter how small."

[Jason]

I read this book in the late 90's, borrowed from the Right To Life office in Des Moines, Iowa. at the time I was unfamiliar with Kreeft. After continued exposure to the author's lectures nearly 13 years later, I discovered I had read him in the 90's. As I am not what I would call a "great reader" of books, this was a delightful discovery.

I should re-read this book. I recall being enamored and engaged in the style of argument and the subject matter. This book was my introduction to Socratic reasoning. I look forward to reading other books by Peter Kreeft.

[Rick Hogaboam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Kreeft is gifted, and this format is fun. Pro-life apologists must read this. The big gain from this is how to ask questions when assertions are made, much like Greg Koukl recommends with his ministry, Stand to Reason. Kreeft, a respected philosopher, has been a great example of how to dialogue with others as he's penned volumes that offer hypothetical conversations among some of the thinkers who've gone before us.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a good thought-provoking read. The final question was clearly identified throughtout and common objections were addressed for the most part. This would have been a five except that the identified question was not questioned to a conclusion. The dialog style was very effective and the directness of the questioning was entertaining and informative.

[Leila Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked The Best Things in Life better, but this was a good read, especially for middle and high schoolers who are beginning to work through such an imperative issue as abortion. I would highly recommend this book for encouraging critical thought and dialogue, and equipping the proverbial debate cache.

[Radagast]

Want to figure out when personship starts? Is the growth in the womb of a mother a fetus or a living human being? What makes a person a person? You'll find out without any reference to God's making people people. I found it humorously true: a person is a person only because God made him in His likeness. Without God, there is no answer.

[Tal Taran · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I finally got round to finishing this book. It was good, yes. However it was slow in parts. Some interesting ideas being thrown back and forth and some good logical debates. An good book to dip into now and again.