MA Thesis Defense: Jessica Manzo

‘Moral responsibility and degraded agency: a case study on addiction and psychopathy‘
Jessica Manzo (Cal State Long Beach)
14 June 2023  •  10:00am–12:00pm  •  online

Abstract: This thesis provides an analysis of the concepts of moral responsibility and degraded agency by investigating two seemingly distinct groups in our moral community: addicts and psychopaths. Both group members engage in various kinds of wrongdoing. Yet, we tend to excuse addicts but hold psychopaths morally responsible. I argue that, in order to capture the conditions of our blame ascriptions correctly, our current practices should be reversed. I further consider the circumstances in which members of these two groups should be held morally accountable for their wrongdoings.

Oral defenses are open to the public.

For a draft copy of the thesis in advance, please contact Jessica <jessica.manzo01@student.csulb.edu> directly.