Donald Hubin

This entry examines the philosophical complexities of fatherhood, focusing on the concept itself and the justification for paternal rights and responsibilities in light of modern reproductive technologies and changing social roles. The common concept of fatherhood is argued to be a multidimensionally vague cluster resulting from a fusion of biological (progenitor and procreator), social/psychological, and normative elements, leading to substantive ethical disputes masquerading as conceptual disagreements. The discussion explores various competing analytical approaches to paternity: those grounded solely in descriptive properties (genetic relationship, procreative act, or intentionality) versus those viewing fatherhood as an essentially normative matter (a defined set of rights and duties). Finally, the entry analyzes the justification of paternal rights and responsibilities, considering whether rights are derivative of responsibilities (fiduciary model) or independently grounded (e.g., liberty rights). It concludes by challenging the legal and philosophical assumption of uniqueness and unification of paternity, suggesting that a fragmentation of rights and responsibilities, grounded in multiple distinct descriptive bases, may be necessary to resolve contemporary paternity dilemmas.