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Inverse View
It is not the case that 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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Reasons For
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Reason for
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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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Reasons Against
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Reason against
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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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