Question

A theory of moral status based on which of the following criteria identifies a sufficient but not necessary condition of moral status?

a Human properties
b Cognitive properties
c Moral agency
d Sentience
e All of the above

Answer 1

The theory of moral status based on a)human properties identifies a sufficient but not necessary condition of moral status. It argues that being human is what grounds our moral status, regardless of rational capacities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory of moral status based on human properties identifies a sufficient but not necessary condition of moral status. This theory argues that being human is what grounds our moral status, regardless of whether an individual possesses fully developed rational capacities.

For example, children who are not fully functioning rational agents are still recognized as having worth and value, which prohibits intentionally harming them or using them for our own ends.

Similarly, people who oppose abortion argue that the unborn are potential persons, granting them at least a right to life based on their human nature.