The Nonidentity Problem #2 - Ethics | WIRELESS PHILOSOPHY

Summary

In this video, Molly Gardner, an assistant professor at Bowling Green State University, explores the non-identity problem in philosophy, focusing on various strategies to address its inherent contradictions. She outlines approaches such as 'wronging without harming,' which emphasizes rights violations, and 'reconstructing the problem' to highlight different senses of identity. Gardner also discusses the 'biting the bullet' strategy, which denies wrongdoing, and the 'harm-based' strategy that distinguishes harm from making someone worse off. Additionally, utilitarian perspectives challenge the ethics of procreation, suggesting existence may carry more disadvantages than benefits. The discussion reflects the ongoing complexities in philosophical thought surrounding identity and morality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Molly Gardner discusses the non-identity problem and explores various philosophical solutions.
• 😀 The non-identity problem arises from four inconsistent claims about wrongdoing and harm.
• 😀 One strategy, called 'wronging without harming,' argues that wrongdoing can occur without causing harm, as illustrated by the case of Smith.
• 😀 The distinction between de dicto and de re interpretations of 'her child' is crucial in understanding the implications of Barbara's actions.
• 😀 Philosopher Caspar Hare reconstructs the problem to emphasize the relevance of the de dicto sense when discussing harm.
• 😀 The 'biting the bullet' strategy, proposed by David Boonen, rejects the idea that Barbara wrongs her child at all.
• 😀 The harm-based strategy suggests that it is possible to harm someone without making them worse off, as demonstrated in the assassination example.
• 😀 Maximizing act utilitarianism raises questions about the morality of procreation and its implications for overall well-being.
• 😀 David Benatar argues that existence is inherently disadvantageous, making all acts of procreation harmful.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the ongoing philosophical debate surrounding the non-identity problem and the complexity of ethical considerations.

Q & A

What is the non-identity problem?

The non-identity problem arises from a contradiction in claims regarding wrongdoing and harm in procreation scenarios, particularly concerning whether one can harm someone by bringing them into existence under negative circumstances.

What are the four inconsistent claims that generate the non-identity problem?

The four claims are: 1) If Barbara wronged Billy, then the way she wronged him was by harming him; 2) The only way she could have harmed him is by making him worse off than he otherwise would have been; 3) Barbara did not make Billy worse off than he otherwise would have been.

How does the 'wronging without harming' strategy address the non-identity problem?

This strategy argues that wrongdoing can occur without harm, using the example of Smith, who is wronged by being denied a ticket due to racism but ultimately avoids a plane crash, showing he is better off despite being wronged.

What is Caspar Hare's reconstruction of the problem?

Hare reconstructs the problem to focus on 'her child' instead of 'Billy,' suggesting that if Barbara had another child (e.g., Timmy), that child would not have the same health issues, thus complicating the evaluation of whether she harmed Billy.

What does David Boonin argue regarding the non-identity problem?

Boonin argues that Barbara does not wrong her child at all and concludes that she is not morally culpable in the non-identity case, providing a significant challenge to the traditional understanding of harm.

What is the harm-based strategy proposed in the video?

The harm-based strategy asserts that it is possible to harm someone without making them worse off. An example discussed involves an assassin where the harm exists independently of the outcomes.

How do maximizing act utilitarianism and David Benatar's views relate to the non-identity problem?

Maximizing act utilitarianism suggests that Barbara should have produced a healthier child, raising ethical dilemmas about procreation, while Benatar argues that all procreation is harmful due to the inherent disadvantages of existence compared to non-existence.

What challenges do philosophers face in resolving the non-identity problem?

Philosophers struggle with articulating why certain actions constitute wrongdoing without clear harm, and they face criticism for potential contradictions and questionable implications of their proposed ethical frameworks.

Why is the example of the shooting case significant in the discussion of harm?

The shooting case illustrates that one can cause significant harm without making the victim worse off, challenging traditional definitions of harm and prompting deeper exploration into the metaphysics of harming.

What overall conclusion does Molly Gardner draw regarding the non-identity problem?

Gardner concludes that the non-identity problem raises complex moral questions about procreation and responsibility towards future individuals, highlighting the need for ongoing philosophical inquiry into these issues.