Overall Lifelong Fortune: A Critique of the Intrinsic Potential Account.

Abstract: It seems clear that a fortunate life for a human being is very different from a fortunate life for a dog. But it is not clear what the appropriate measure is for determining whether a life is fortunate or not. Jeff McMahan rejects the Species Norm Account and defends the Intrinsic Potentia...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Applied Philosophy Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 617 - 630
Autor principal: Smolkin, Doran
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Aug2018
Materias:
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Abstract: It seems clear that a fortunate life for a human being is very different from a fortunate life for a dog. But it is not clear what the appropriate measure is for determining whether a life is fortunate or not. Jeff McMahan rejects the Species Norm Account and defends the Intrinsic Potential Account of overall lifelong fortune. In this article, I argue that the Intrinsic Potential Account fails. More specifically, I will argue that it is vulnerable to numerous counterexamples; fails for the same basic reason that McMahan rejects the Species Norm Account; and is insensitive to a consideration that is morally significant.