AlphaMED Resources · https://alphamedicine.uk/Resources/slippery-slope
Slippery slope argument
A slippery slope argument says that allowing one step will lead, through a chain of further steps, to an outcome nobody wants.
Summary
- It is common in debates on assisted dying, where opponents fear the criteria would widen over time.
- It also appears in debates on the genetic selection of embryos.
- Its strength depends on evidence that each step would really follow from the last.
- Supporters of a change usually answer that the law can draw a line and hold it.
Interview questions
- What is a slippery slope argument?
- Is it a good argument against legalising assisted dying?
- Embryos can be screened for serious genetic disease. Where would you draw the line?
Practise answering these with a mentor
Our interview preparation has you answer questions like these out loud, with feedback on each answer.
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More NHS hot topics, medical ethics case studies and medical school interview questions are in AlphaMED Resources, which we add to and update through the application cycle.