A lost cause? Fundamental problems for causal theories of parenthood. (5th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baron, Teresa
• Is Part Of: Bioethics. Volume 34:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 664
• Page End: 670
• Publication Date: 2020-02-05
• Subjects: causation -- children -- parental obligation -- parenthood -- responsibility; Bioethics -- Periodicals; 174.957
• DOI: 10.1111/bioe.12719
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9702

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, I offer a critique of (actual and possible) causal theories of parenthood. I do not offer a competing account of who incurs parental obligations and why; rather, I aim to show that there are fundamental problems for any account of who acquires parental obligations and why by appeal to causal responsibility for a child's existence. I outline and justify three criteria that any plausible causal account of parental obligation must meet, and demonstrate that attempting to fulfil all three criteria simultaneously will give rise to one or both of two potentially insurmountable dilemmas.