Human Identity and Bioethics

di David DeGrazia (Autore)

Cambridge University Press, 2005

When philosophers address personal identity, they usually explore numerical identity: what are the criteria for a person's continuing existence? When non-philosophers address personal identity, they often have in mind narrative identity: Which characteristics of a particular person are salient to her self-conception? This book develops accounts of both senses of identity, arguing that both are normatively important, and is unique in its exploration of a range of issues in bioethics through the lens of identity. Defending a biological view of our numerical identity and a framework for understanding narrative identity, DeGrazia investigates various issues for which considerations of identity prove critical: the definition of death; the authority of advance directives in cases of severe dementia; the use of enhancement technologies; prenatal genetic interventions; and certain types of reproductive choices. He demonstrates the power of personal identity theory to illuminate issues in bioethics as they bring philosophical theory to life.

• Autore: David DeGrazia
• Editore: Cambridge University Press
• Anno: 2005
• Rilegatura: Hardback
• Pagine: 316 p.
• Dimensioni: 237 x 158 mm
• Peso: 535 gr.
• EAN: 9780521825610

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