This thesis aims to discuss the applicability of metaphysical models concerning personhood. I use Geach’s treatment of identity statements to show that the predicates we use to describe personhood,...Show moreThis thesis aims to discuss the applicability of metaphysical models concerning personhood. I use Geach’s treatment of identity statements to show that the predicates we use to describe personhood, or in Derek Parfit’s case R-relatedness, are applicable rather than necessarily true of the world. I will conclude that metaphysical theses about personhood have to be true for us, if we are to act as if they were explanatory, such that we can say we believe in them. If the truth-aptness of metaphysical models is to be verified in terms of how we act in the world, then given the attachment I personally have towards entities I call persons, which I show by acting in specific related ways, I cannot give up the explanatory force persons have for me, even if Parfit’s reductionism may be propositionally convincing. This is exemplified in Tang Junyi’s treatment of human nature as a context-dependent disposition.Show less
This paper critically examines some of the assumptions underlying the non-identity problem. In particular the Time-Dependency claim and Person-Affecting Principle are at stake. I argue that the...Show moreThis paper critically examines some of the assumptions underlying the non-identity problem. In particular the Time-Dependency claim and Person-Affecting Principle are at stake. I argue that the Time-dependency claim can not be taken as a fact. Furthermore I argue that the Person-Affecting Principle concerning moral judgments can be retained. This would be possible by morally evaluating the predictable result of actions without regard of the identities of the persons affected.Show less
'The concept of 'intergenerational justice' may very well become an intellectual leitmotif of the new century' (Tremmel 2006, 1). Met dit citaat opent George Tremmel zijn handboek over...Show more'The concept of 'intergenerational justice' may very well become an intellectual leitmotif of the new century' (Tremmel 2006, 1). Met dit citaat opent George Tremmel zijn handboek over intergenerationele rechtvaardigheid. Dit complexe begrip geniet toenemende aandacht in de politiek-filosofische literatuur, en deze scriptie kan gezien worden als een grondige bestudering van - en kritiek op - het begrip an sich. In deze inleiding zal eerst kort geschetst worden uit welke zorgen het concept intergenerationele rechtvaardigheid voortkomt. Daarna zullen de begrippen die centraal staan in dit onderzoek helder gedefinieerd worden, als basis voor de rest van dit verslag. Daarna wordt uitgelegd welk belang dit onderzoek heeft voor de politieke filosofie, en tenslotte wordt er een overzicht gegeven van de opbouw van het verslag dat voor u ligt.Show less
