Personhood: Crash Course Philosophy

The video explores the complex concept of personhood, distinguishing it from being human. It discusses various criteria for personhood, including genetic, cognitive, social, and sentience-based criteria, and introduces the gradient theory. The video uses examples like Superman, AI, and animals to illustrate non-human persons and examines the moral implications of these definitions in social debates such as abortion, euthanasia, and animal rights.

What is the primary distinction between a human and a person according to philosophers?

• A person is someone who can communicate.

• A person is a moral being deserving of consideration.

• A person is someone who is self-aware.

• A person is defined by having human DNA.

Why might Superman be considered a person despite not being human?

• He is recognized by society as a person.

• He acts and talks like a person.

• He has human DNA.

• He is capable of feeling pain.

Which of the following is NOT one of Mary Ann Warren's criteria for personhood?

• Ability to feel pain

• Reasoning

• Consciousness

• Self-awareness

What does the social criterion for personhood suggest?

• A person is anyone with human DNA.

• A person is someone who can feel pleasure and pain.

• A person is someone who can reason and communicate.

• A person is recognized by society or cared for by someone.

Which criterion for personhood focuses on the ability to feel pleasure and pain?

• Genetic criterion

• Sentience criterion

• Cognitive criterion

• Social criterion

According to the gradient theory, how does personhood develop?

• It is determined by societal recognition.

• It develops gradually over time.

• It is based on the ability to communicate.

• It is an all-or-nothing state.

What is a potential implication of the gradient theory of personhood?

• Personhood is determined by societal norms.

• Personhood is solely based on cognitive abilities.

• Personhood can be lost or gained gradually.

• All beings with human DNA are persons.