What does it Mean to be a "Person"?

[crossfire]

I see a person as an individual. My test for individuality stems from the the etymology of individual: not divisible. A corporation would not qualify as an individual person in that it can be divided up still function. A non-viable fetus would not qualify as a person as it cannot be separated from its host/mother and still function, but the host/mother could be separated from the fetus and still function, so the host/mother qualifies as a person.

 

[PureX]

I see a person as an individual. My test for individuality stems from the the etymology of individual: not divisible. A corporation would not qualify as an individual person in that it can be divided up still function. A non-viable fetus would not qualify as a person as it cannot be separated from its host/mother and still function, but the host/mother could be separated from the fetus and still function, so the host/mother qualifies as a person.

So what you are referring to might be termed 'existential autonomy'. And I agree. I think this would be the crucial factor in defining personhood. However, I think cognitive awareness of this autonomous 'self' would also be a crucial factor. Perhaps the most crucial factor.