Abstract

The thesis of this study is that the ethical dimension of a discussion of aging and aging policy is framed by the moral norms of autonomy, dignity, distributive justice, and intergenerational reciprocity. This dissertation explicates and critically analyzes these norms which inform much of the consideration of the ethical aspects of aging policy. Its purpose is to broaden and deepen the reader's understanding of these ideas, their interrelatedness, their importance, and their ramifications for aging issues. ;There is some consensus of opinion among the discussants. Both autonomy and dignity are largely defined and used in Kantian terms. John Rawls' theory of justice, the basis of this examination of distributive justice, is explicitly Kantian as well. Rawls does not address issues of aging but others have formulated Rawlsian approaches to problems of concern to the elderly. Intergenerational reciprocity is a particular kind of allocation issue. Most theories are founded on the notion that children's obligation towards their parents is based on the idea of a debt incurred. ;These four closely linked ideas form the conceptual web within which much of the consideration of aging issues takes place. A good understanding of these four ideas is necessary to adequately deal with the problems, issues, and policies of the future