HIST 211 - Ethics of Personhood: Corporations to Clones

CR: 3
We often define “persons” only biologically, as Homo sapiens sapiens. Yet legally the word also applies to non-human entities (corporations, etc.). Historically, some biological humans have been denied full legal “personhood” (for example, women and slaves). Many current legal and ethical controversies concern the ambiguous “personhood” of entities such as human fetuses, animals, clones, and artificial intelligence. This course presents a survey of the philosophical, historical, and legal perspectives regarding who (and/or what) should be granted the status and rights of legal “persons” within the framework of Western legal systems. Offered alternate years. Not open to students who have received credit for HNRS 111. V.7