Date of Award
Spring 4-19-2017
Document Type
Distinction Paper
Degree Name
Philosophy-BA
Department
Religion & Philosophy
Advisor
Dr. Stephanie Patridge
First Committee Member
Dr. Andrew Mills
Second Committee Member
Dr. Meredith Meyer
Keywords
Parenthood, Philosophy, Human Life, Children
Subject Categories
Arts and Humanities | Philosophy
Abstract
Is being a parent part of living a good human life? In this paper I argue, contra Rosalind Hursthouse, that the answer is no. However, I make the case that something very much like this is essential to living a good human life. I get at this by borrowing Claudia Mills’ account of the value of unchosen relationships. I argue that unconditional and unchosen love is an essential component of a good human life, and while we can get this by having children, we can also get it in other ways.
Recommended Citation
Blinsky, Bethany, "Is Having Children an Essential Part of a Good Human Life?" (2017). Undergraduate Distinction Papers. 50.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_dist/50