Title: Raimond Gaita on Suffering and the denial of moral equality: the limits of our conception of human individuality
Speaker: Leonie Martino
Date, Time: 9/08/2011, 5:15pm
Location: Old Quad Common Room
Abstract: Gaita speaks of human individuality, the inner life, the preciousness of human beings, and their absolute value, in ways that I think deepen our understanding of the value of human beings. My aim in my thesis is to provide a critical analysis of these key concepts. By highlighting inconsistencies, offering clarifications, and raising questions, I hope to contribute to the philosophical ‘conversation’ of these important themes and to offer some insight into Gaita’s work. The paper I will be presenting today is essentially the second chapter of my thesis. It is here that I outline my interpretation of Gaita’s central concern – this being the denial of moral equality of those who have lost everything that gives life meaning – and introduce a problem with his representation of it.
