In the aftermath of the two recent Wizarding Wars, we have all been forced to consider our views on the ethical question of blood purity. It is a topic which has been debated for a very long time. Though wizards had considered themselves superior to Muggles in ancient times, it was not until the Medieval period that the concept of blood purity began to rise to prominence. The growing rift between Muggles and wizards fueled this change, especially once wizard persecution at the hands of Muggles began in earnest. Wizards began to distrust their non-magical neighbors, and this distrust was often transferred to Muggle-born witches and wizards. Distrust turned to dislike and even hatred, the consequences of which have been played out in the tragic drama of recent years. Still, it is important that we consider the issues surrounding the question of blood purity in a reasonable manor, doing our best not to paint all those who hold a point of view which differs from our own with a single brush.

Any discussion of blood purity would be amiss without input from the famous and somewhat infamous Salazar Slytherin, one of the four legendary founders of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. In 997 B.C.E., he wrote a letter to another founder of the school, his friend Godderic Gryffindor which gives us a rare insight into his views:

"I still contend, as I always have, that to allow Mudbloods into Hogwarts is folly. Without a strong magical lineage, they cannot hope to compete with their more well-endowed rivals. Their inclusion in the school will hold back those who are most gifted, while at the same time serving as a constant reminder to them of their inferior parentage and lack of natural talent. It would be better for them to grow up never knowing of their magical abilities so that they might integrate into Muggle society and live happy, productive lives outside the magical world."

While some scholars question the sincerity with which Slytherin wrote these words, his arguments should still be examined. Critics of his view have pointed out that there seems to be no correlation between blood status and magical talent. This is confirmed by a recent study conducted by the Salem Institute, in which the test scores of graduating wizards from all major magical schools from around the world were cross-referenced with the blood status of the students taking them. According to the study, "there was no statistical difference between the average score of students whose blood status could be confirmed to be pure-blood and that of students with at least one Muggle parent. This contradicts the long-held belief that pure-blooded students are more naturally gifted than half-blood or muggle-born students."

Some critics go even further. In their minds, there is no reason not to welcome Muggle-born witches and wizards into the community. Alister McNeill, a magical historian and philosopher, in his 1531 book, "Principles of Peace and War," wrote:

"E'en were Muggle-borns not as well-developed as their more pure-blooded fellows, it must by necessity be true that all pure-blood families began with Muggle-borns. Tis not for us to judge men by their parentage, but by their character. Wizarding society has a place e'en for the least talented among us, and so we ought extend the hand of welcome to all with magical ability."

Yet even today there is strong opposition to the equal treatment of Muggle-born witches and wizards. In 1964, The Daily Prophet printed a letter to the editor from Walbuga Black which read:

"I don't understand why we still allow half-breeds and mudbloods to remain among us. They are a stain upon the entire wizarding community. It is simply not right that our pure-blood children should have to mingle with such filth for the rest of their lives, as I have had to do. They spread harmful Muggle influences among us and divide wizardkind against itself. They should be thrown out and not allowed back!"

Though Mrs. Black was not a scholar or a professional ethicist, her opinions mirror those of many today, and her appeal, though heavily emotional, centers around the idea that it is simply not right for Muggle-borns and half-bloods to interact with pure-blooded wizards. She and those like her appeal to a natural order of things in which Muggles and Muggle-borns are not supposed to mingle with pure-blooded wizard society. Of course, many disagree with this view. The most common reply to such arguments is usually that it is more virtuous to treat our fellow wizards with respect than to separate certain members from the magical community simply because of an arbitrary characteristic.

Follow-up Questions:

Do you think that there should be segregation between Muggle-borns and pure-blooded wizards?

What arguments might Consequentialists make for and against the elevation of pure-blooded wizards to higher status in society? How about Deontologists? What merits do you think these arguments have?

Should any change in attitudes toward Muggle-borns be reflected in our laws, or should such things be governed purely by social convention?