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old_url: http://hans.gerwitz.com/library/thoughts/personhood.html
title: Personhood
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I define personhood in terms of consciousness, which I presently (autumn 2004) equate to the ability to purposefully "re-wire" the self so that later decisions are more in line with a goal self image.  This level of consciousness is _probably_ unique to humans on Earth, and is not developed until some time **after** birth and in some cases lost before physical death.  
This doesn't mean [abortion][1] is free of moral complications.

   [1]: abortion

