Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
The counterfactual comparative account of harm and benefit (CCA) has several virtues, but it also faces serious problems. I argue that CCA is incompatible with the prudential and moral relevance of harm and benefit. Some possible ways to revise or restrict CCA, in order to avoid this conclusion, are discussed and found wanting. Finally, I try to show that appealing to the context-sensitivity of counterfactuals, or to the alleged contrastive nature of harm and benefit, does not provide a solution.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Erik Carlson (2018) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: