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    Rawls argues that the separateness of persons is a pre-th... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→Utilitarianism is justified in ignoring interpersonal distributive principles grounded in the distinctness of persons.

    Rawls argues that the separateness of persons is a pre-theoretical moral datum that constrains acceptable theories, not merely a metaphysical thesis.

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    1 reason for
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    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.Moral theory must respect the inviolability of individuals; utilitarian aggregation violates this by sacrificing some for collective benefit.
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    • 2.The separateness of persons is observable in moral practice—we reject forcing one person to suffer for others' gain regardless of net utility.
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    • 3.Pre-theoretical commitments ground theory-building; ignoring separateness produces counterintuitive conclusions that undermine a theory's credibility.
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    Reasons Against

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    • 1.The distinction between 'pre-theoretical datum' and 'metaphysical thesis' is unclear; separateness appears to rely on substantive metaphysical claims.
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    • 2.Different moral frameworks (utilitarianism, communitarianism) operate from different intuitions, suggesting separateness isn't universally pre-theoretical.
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    • 3.Treating separateness as foundational may beg the question against theories that derive individual rights from other moral principles, not vice versa.
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    Related

    Different moral frameworks (utilitarianism, communitarianism) operate from diffe...Moral theory must respect the inviolability of individuals; utilitarian aggregat...Pre-theoretical commitments ground theory-building; ignoring separateness produc...The distinction between 'pre-theoretical datum' and 'metaphysical thesis' is unc...
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    The separateness of persons is observable in moral practice—we reject forcing on...Treating separateness as foundational may beg the question against theories that...Utilitarianism is justified in ignoring interpersonal distributive principles gr...

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    2 (1 for, 1 against)
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