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Wrigley, AJ (2012) Harm To Future Persons: Non-Identity Problems and Counterpart Solutions. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 15 (2). 175 -190. ISSN 1386-2820
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ETMP Harms REVISED SUBMISSION.doc - Accepted Version
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Abstract
Non-Identity arguments have a pervasive but sometimes counter-intuitive grip on certain key areas in ethics. As a result, there has been limited success in supporting the alternative view that our choices concerning future generations can be considered harmful on any sort of person-affecting principle. However, as the Non-Identity Problem relies overtly on certain metaphysical assumptions, plausible alternatives to these foundations can substantially undermine the Non-Identity argument itself. In this paper, I show how the pervasive force and nature of Non-Identity arguments rely upon a specific adoption of a theory of modality and identity and how adopting an alternative account of modality can be used to reject many conclusions formed through Non-Identity type arguments. By using Lewis’s counterpart-theoretic account to understand ways we might have been, I outline the basis of a modal account of harm that incorporates a person-affecting aspect. This, in turn, has significant implications for ethical decision-making in areas such as reproductive choice and the welfare of future generations.
Item Type: | Article |
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Additional Information: | This is the accepted author manuscript (AAM). The final published version (version of record) is available online via Springer at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10677-011-9280-0 - please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher. |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | Harm, Non-identity problem, Counterparts, Genetic selection |
Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
Divisions: | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Law |
Depositing User: | Symplectic |
Date Deposited: | 04 Apr 2017 15:29 |
Last Modified: | 30 May 2019 11:48 |
URI: | https://eprints.keele.ac.uk/id/eprint/3155 |