The Troublesome Concept of the Person
Creator
Gordijn, Bert
Bibliographic Citation
Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics. 1999 Aug; 20(4): 347-359.
Abstract
In today's bioethical debates, the concept of the person plays a major role. However, it does not hold this role justly. The purpose of this paper is to argue that the concept of the person is unsuited to be a central concept in bioethical debates, because its use is connected with serious problems. First, the concept is superfluous. Secondly, it is a confusing concept and it lacks pragmatic use. Thirdly, its use leads to simplifications. Finally, the concept can easily be used as a cover-up concept. Therefore, it is argued that relinquishing the concept of the person could enhance the clarity and quality of bioethical debate. Moreover, the historic origin of much of the present confusion surrounding the concept of the person is clarified. It is demonstrated that three influences resulting from Locke's ideas on the person and personal identity can be determined as contributing factors to the confusion and controversy within the present bioethical debates centering around the person.
Permanent Link
Find in a Libraryhttp://hdl.handle.net/10822/758551
Date
1999-08Collections
Metadata
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The Troublesome Concept of the Person
Gordijn, Bert (1999-08)