Abstract
This paper argues that transworld identity is both morally (or at least “welfare axiologically”) and prudentially insignificant. To clarify, it does not in itself morally or prudentially matter, when comparing welfare distributions across possible worlds, whether or not the same people exist in these worlds. The moral claim is defended on the basis of a (wide) person-affecting moral principle. And the argument is made that what matters from one’s own prudential point of view is not that one comes into existence or continues to exist oneself but that an appropriate continuer/replacement does. Finally, some implications for gene-therapy are considered.
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Holtug, N. (2009). Who Cares About Identity?. In: Roberts, M.A., Wasserman, D.T. (eds) Harming Future Persons. International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine, vol 35. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5697-0_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5697-0_4
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