Do People With Alzheimer's Truly Have Free Will & Responsibility?
Location
SU 003
Department
Philosophy
Abstract
How should society treat individuals who truly cannot recall their crimes? In this talk, I will present a scenario that will discuss the responsibilities one must face if living with a mental illness. I will introduce a hypothetical case; for example if a criminal suffers a seizure, causing grave memory loss, would they be responsible for their actions? Would they receive the same penalty, with us knowing they can't defend themselves? I will then compare that first case to a second one: where a person is living with a mental illness such as Alzheimer's. I will analyze two arguments, one holding the person responsible, and one not holding them responsible. Reviewing their evidence, arguments, and a scenario to strengthen their side. People with Alzheimer's sometimes aren't able to recall memories past a certain time. But morally speaking, every person is born with a conscience and can be aware of their actions being right or wrong. Should people with mental health problems suffer the same fate as one who can remember everything they've done? I conclude the talk by discussing how and why one should consider blaming an individual who cannot remember what they've done.
Faculty Sponsor
Stacey Goguen, Northeastern Illinois University
Do People With Alzheimer's Truly Have Free Will & Responsibility?
SU 003
How should society treat individuals who truly cannot recall their crimes? In this talk, I will present a scenario that will discuss the responsibilities one must face if living with a mental illness. I will introduce a hypothetical case; for example if a criminal suffers a seizure, causing grave memory loss, would they be responsible for their actions? Would they receive the same penalty, with us knowing they can't defend themselves? I will then compare that first case to a second one: where a person is living with a mental illness such as Alzheimer's. I will analyze two arguments, one holding the person responsible, and one not holding them responsible. Reviewing their evidence, arguments, and a scenario to strengthen their side. People with Alzheimer's sometimes aren't able to recall memories past a certain time. But morally speaking, every person is born with a conscience and can be aware of their actions being right or wrong. Should people with mental health problems suffer the same fate as one who can remember everything they've done? I conclude the talk by discussing how and why one should consider blaming an individual who cannot remember what they've done.