Contemporary Bioethics and the Question of the Beginning of Personhood and Metaphysical Solutions Thereto

Abstract

This article presents some answers to the question on the moment of the emergence of personhood, particularly answers based in metaphysics. The author points out the disadvantages and advantages of certain statements and analyses the arguments upon which they are based. Conception, implantation of the fetus into the uterine wall, and observation of brain activity are considered to be the probable moments marking the beginning of personhood.