I recommend using distinct phrases for “moral targets”, those entities you morally consider in your actions, and “moral agents”, those entities which make decisions you evaluate in a moral framework.
Babies are moral targets, they are in the process of becoming moral agents. IMO, both are quantities rather than binary classifications—some moral agents are more culpable than others for the same actions, and some moral targets get more weight than others in evaluating actions. I recognize this isn’t universal, but I have yet to have a productive cruxing session with anyone who claims absolutes on this topic.
I recommend using distinct phrases for “moral targets”, those entities you morally consider in your actions, and “moral agents”, those entities which make decisions you evaluate in a moral framework.
I recommend using distinct phrases for “moral targets”, those entities you morally consider in your actions, and “moral agents”, those entities which make decisions you evaluate in a moral framework.
Babies are moral targets, they are in the process of becoming moral agents. IMO, both are quantities rather than binary classifications—some moral agents are more culpable than others for the same actions, and some moral targets get more weight than others in evaluating actions. I recognize this isn’t universal, but I have yet to have a productive cruxing session with anyone who claims absolutes on this topic.
The traditional term is “moral patient”.