Further defence of legal age change: a reply to the critics (original) (raw)

Abstract

In ‘Moral case for legal age change’, I argue that sometimes people should be allowed to change their age. I refute six immediate objections against the view that age change is permissible. I argue that the objections cannot show that legal age change should always be prohibited. In this paper, I consider some further objections against legal age change raised by Iain Brassington, Toni Saad and William Simkulet. I argue that the objections fail to show that age change should never be allowed.

Key takeaways

AI

1. Legal age change should be permitted under certain circumstances, countering six objections against it.
2. Restricting birthdate access does not effectively combat ageism and may create new forms of discrimination.
3. Changing one's age is not inherently lying; modern ID systems could facilitate age representation without falsifying records.
4. Current objections fail to adequately disprove the moral case for allowing legal age change.
5. Biological age encompasses both physical and cognitive aspects, reflecting individual identity beyond chronological age.

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

FAQs

AI

What are the drawbacks of restricting access to birthdates for combating ageism?add

The paper finds that restricting access to birthdates may actually exacerbate discrimination by suggesting concealment of age. Additionally, it limits personal identity and autonomy, which are important for individuals.

How might modern technology facilitate legal age change without falsifying documents?add

The research suggests a digital ID system where age appears directly, removing the birthdate requirement. This could allow legal age to reflect biological age without needing to alter official records.

What ethical concerns arise from not allowing individuals to change their legal age?add

The study indicates that prohibiting age change could undermine personal freedom and identity. Diminishing the ability to express one’s age may constitute a moral wrong against individual autonomy.

How does biological age combine physical and mental development in the context of legal age?add

The author argues that biological age includes both body and mind, exemplified by children with progeria. This dual consideration is vital to ensure that legal age accurately reflects maturity.

Why is the concept of biological age contentious among critics of legal age change?add

Critics like Simkulet argue that the definition of biological age should not encompass mental maturity. This disagreement indicates a broader debate on the measurability and implications of age.