Lycan is a functionalist, which means that he believes that if something functions like a person, then it is a person. For Lycan, function is more important than origin.

 

N.B. human = a particular species of mammal. This may or may not be synonymous with ‘person’ depending on your perspective. For some, only humans are persons. For others, only some humans are persons. And, for others, some non-humans could also be persons (such as non-human animals, robots, supernatural beings, etc…).

 

1. Does Lycan think that Harry is a person? Explain your answer with reference to the reading. Do you agree with him? Why (not)?
2. Does Lycan think that Henrietta is a person? Explain your answer with reference to the reading. Do you agree with him? Why (not)?
3. Answer the following with reference to the Lycan reading: do you think that Lycan would consider Ava to be a person? Explain your answer.

 

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

While the question does not provide specific details about the identities or functionalities of Harry Henrietta or Ava we can still analyze the given scenario based on William Lycans functionalist vie... View the full answer