The Ethics of Parenthood
What do parents owe to their children? How should we weight children’s interests against their parents’ interests? What should be the limits of parental discretion? What, if anything, does society owe to parents?
What do parents owe to their children? How should we weight children’s interests against their parents’ interests? What should be the limits of parental discretion? What, if anything, does society owe to parents?
Monday 6 June 2022 | 1 hour 18 minutes 50 seconds
In all societies, parents have rights over their children. In particular, they have the right to make decisions on behalf of their children in all areas of their children’s lives, including education, religious observance and relationships. Parental rights fulfil two roles: protecting children’s interests and protecting parents’ interest in rearing their children in line with their values. Yet, these interests are often in tension with one another.