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Determining parental obligations to unborn children using a social contract theory

I use a brand of social contract theory derived from David Gauthier to delimit precisely what might be permissible in the methods of conception and gestation of a child. More specifically, Gauthier posits a rule that is supposed to govern behavior among individuals prior to but in anticipation of the rise of social interaction. I argue that this rule can be appropriately applied to the interactions between a parent and her unborn child. I review other social contract models in an effort to show that Gauthier's is preferable to these. I also address other accounts concerned with parental obligations to the unborn, to see how these fare against Gauthier's. I conclude that, because of its breadth of applicability, as well as its plausibility, Gauthier's model is a powerful force for guiding us through these issues.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.30114
Date January 1999
CreatorsSepinwall, Amy J.
ContributorsStroud, Sarah (advisor)
PublisherMcGill University
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Formatapplication/pdf
CoverageDoctor of Philosophy (Department of Philosophy.)
RightsAll items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
Relationalephsysno: 001738035, proquestno: MQ55007, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest.

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