1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: In Reasons and Persons, Derek Parfit offers an accessible and thoughtful exploration of the complex and sometimes conflicting values of morality, reason, and personal identity.
“We can choose how to live our lives. We can make ourselves into the sorts of people we admire and respect.”
Quick Info
Category: Philosophy
Publish Date: 1986-02-20
# Pages: 560
ISBN: 019824908X
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Table of Contents
Overview
Reasons and Persons, written by Derek Parfit, is a philosophical work that explores the concept of personal identity, and how our identity changes over time.
Parfit argues that the traditional view of personal identity is flawed, and that instead, we should view ourselves as a series of overlapping stages, which can exist both independently and simultaneously.
He further argues that our responsibility to ourselves, and to others, should be based on our current mental, physical and social status, rather than on a static view of personal identity.
Reasons and Persons provides a comprehensive and compelling analysis of the concept of personal identity, and provides a thought-provoking look at the implications of such a view on our moral responsibility to ourselves and to others.
4 Key Lessons from Reasons and Persons by Derek Parfit
1. The Principle of Universalizability
This lesson encourages readers to consider the consequences of their decisions and actions on all affected parties before proceeding.
It demands that everyone be treated fairly, regardless of their individual circumstances.
Universalizability teaches us to think beyond current circumstances and consider the ethical implications of our actions.
This can help us make decisions that are more equitable and just for all involved.
2. The Non-Identity Problem
This lesson teaches readers to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions and to think beyond the present moment.
The non-identity problem states that, due to our limited knowledge of the future, it is impossible to predict the full consequences of our actions.
As a result, readers should take into account the potential long-term effects of their decisions and act with caution.
This lesson can help us avoid making choices that might harm future generations.
3. The Repugnant Conclusion
This lesson encourages readers to consider the ethical implications of their decisions.
The repugnant conclusion states that, if certain conditions are met, it may be necessary to accept an outcome that is seen as morally wrong or unacceptable in order to achieve a greater good.
This lesson encourages readers to think about the consequences of their decisions and to weigh the pros and cons of each option, so that they can make more informed and responsible decisions.
4. The Mere Addition Paradox
This lesson teaches readers to consider the effects of their decisions on the whole, rather than just the individual parts.
The mere addition paradox states that, when considering the consequences of a decision, it is important to take into account the effect of the decision on the whole, rather than just the sum of the individual parts.
This lesson encourages us to think beyond individual benefits and weigh the effects of our decisions on the collective.
It can help us make decisions that are beneficial to everyone, rather than just a select few.
Who Should Read It
Reasons and Persons by Derek Parfit would be appropriate for those interested in philosophy, particularly those interested in moral philosophy, personal identity, and other related topics.
It is also suitable for those interested in the psychological, biological, and social aspects of human behavior.
Where to Get It
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About Derek Parfit
Derek Parfit is a British philosopher and author best known for his book, Reasons and Persons.
He is a Professor of Philosophy at All Souls College, Oxford and has written extensively on topics such as personal identity, rationality, and ethics.
Parfit’s work often focuses on moral philosophy and he is particularly interested in the implications of utilitarianism.
He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Rolf Schock Prize for Logic and Philosophy.
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Over to You
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