Related Experiment Videos
Of souls, selves, and cerebrums: a reply to Himma
1J M Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies, Baylor University; Waco, Texas, USA. Francis_Beckwith@baylor.edu
Journal of Medical Ethics
|January 7, 2005
Summary
This study challenges the idea that moral personhood begins with brain activity. It proposes that human persons exist by nature from conception and offers a counterexample involving anencephalic children.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Mind
- Bioethics
- Moral Philosophy
Background:
- Ken Himma posits moral personhood begins with brain activity.
- This paper critically examines Himma's commencement of brain activity criterion.
Discussion:
- Presents an alternative view: human persons exist by nature throughout their existence.
- Introduces a counterexample concerning the creation of anencephalic-like individuals.
- Addresses challenges to the proposed natural personhood account.
Key Insights:
- Human personhood is argued to be a natural, inherent quality, not contingent on specific biological markers like brain activity.
- Himma's view is insufficient to explain the ethical issues surrounding the creation of anencephalic infants.
- The proposed alternative offers a more robust framework for understanding moral personhood.
Outlook:
- Further philosophical debate on the nature of personhood and moral status.
- Implications for bioethical discussions regarding the beginning of life and moral consideration.
- Refinement of criteria for establishing moral personhood in philosophical and ethical discourse.