Crash Course Philosophy: Understanding Personhood

Introduction

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• Explores the concept of personhood - a moral term distinct from "human."
• Humans have human DNA, but personhood involves being part of the moral community deserving moral consideration.
• Personhood complicates social debates (e.g., abortion, death penalty, euthanasia)

The Complexity of Personhood

• Human vs. Person: Human is a biological term, person is a moral term.
• Non-humans may deserve moral consideration and some humans may not.
• Personhood is central to many major social debates.

Thought Experiment: Superman

• Superman is not human (Kryptonian) but is morally considered a person.
• His non-humanity is similar to skin color - does not affect moral standing.
• Lex Luthor example: humanity doesn't equate to personhood.

Candidates for Non-human Persons

• Aliens (e.g., Superman), artificial intelligences (e.g., WALL-E), some animals (e.g., Koko the gorilla).
• Some humans may not qualify as persons under certain criteria.

Criteria for Personhood

1. Genetic Criterion

• Proposed by John Noonan.
• Personhood based on having human DNA.
• Criticized for including non-person entities like cells, excluding non-human persons like Superman.

2. Cognitive Criteria

• Proposed by Mary Ann Warren.
• Five criteria: consciousness, reasoning, self-motivated activity, capacity to communicate, self-awareness.
• Excludes fetuses and possibly young children.

3. Social Criterion

• Society's recognition of personhood.
• Problematic: personhood dependent on societal or personal care.

4. Sentience Criterion

• Proposed by Peter Singer.
• Personhood based on ability to feel pleasure and pain.
• Includes animals with developed nervous systems.

5. Gradient Theory

• Personhood is a continuum, not binary.
• Develops over time (e.g., fetus to toddler).
• Balances moral consideration with levels of personhood.

Application in Ethical Debates

• Personhood definitions influence debates on abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment.
• Important to consider who is included/excluded in the moral community.

Conclusion

• Personhood is a complex, nuanced topic with real-world implications.
• Encourages reflection on personal beliefs about personhood.
• Importance in understanding ethics.

Additional Information

• Sponsored by Squarespace.
• Produced with PBS Digital Studios.
• Credits to the production team and graphics by Thought Cafe.