Non-identity, self-defeat, and attitudes to future children

Journal article

Although most people believe that it is morally wrong to intentionally create children who have an impairment, it is widely held that we cannot criticize such procreative choices unless we find a solution to Parfit's non-identity problem. I argue that we can. Jonathan Glover has recently argued that, in certain circumstances, such choices would be self-defeating even if morally permissible. I argue that although the scope of Glover's argument is too limited, it nevertheless directs attention ...

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Authors: Kahane, G

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES
• Volume: 145
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 193-214
• Publication date: 2009-08-01
• DOI: 10.1007/s11098-008-9219-z
• EISSN: 1573-0883
• ISSN: 0031-8116
• Language: English
• Keywords: The non-identity problem; Procreative ethics; Disability; Parfit; Future people; Harm