Ethics Finder

Disability

There are a number of moral and philosophical issues around the definition and treatment of disability. It has long been common to treat disability, impairment, incapacity, and handicap, as more or less equivalent. In recent times, however, some theorists and activists have argued that there is no such thing as being disabled only being differently-abled, and that handicap is a function of social provision. In short no-one is objectively disabled or handicapped just disadvantaged in relation to others. Part of the motivation for these arguments is to counter the stigma that often been attached to disability. While that motivation is laudable, the denial of the fact of disability may disadvantage those it was intended to benefit, since it undermines the case for providing assistance and ensuring equality for, and anti-discrimination legislation against those of limited or diminished mental and physical functions. More broadly, the idea of disability, particularly natural disability, presumes an account of normal human capacities and functions which are related to the achievement of human goods, and through those of living well.

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