On the Asymmetry Between Doing Harm and Doing Good
Abstract: The harm-benefit-asymmetry says that there is a morally relevant difference between doing harm and doing (comparable) good. This paper explains why deontologists should accept this asymmetry. Further, it offers a justification of the harm-benefit-asymmetry, based on the deontological distinction between doing and allowing harm and its counterpart, the distinction between doing and allowing good. In doing so, the paper responds to a challenge posed by Shelly Kagan, who claims that it is a 'mystery' how deontologists can justify the harm-benefit-asymmetry.
Speaker: Dr Charlotte Unruh (University of Southampton)
A hybrid event for Uehiro Centre Members and Associates (booking not required).
