more from Jonathan Glover

Single Idea 4670

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 2. Moral rights]

Full Idea

There is nothing intrinsically good in a person being alive, and the idea of a 'right to life' should be rejected.

Gist of Idea

Being alive is not intrinsically good, and there is no 'right to life'

Source

Jonathan Glover (Causing Death and Saving Lives [1977], §11.1)

Book Reference

Glover,Jonathan: 'Causing Death and Saving Lives' [Penguin 1982], p.138


A Reaction

If pleasure or benefit can be intrinsically good, I don't see why life can't be. The notion of a 'natural' or 'self-evident' right does look dubious to me. Rights are earned and given. Robinson Crusoe has no rights.