Fundamental Interests and Parental Rights

Abstract

l argue for a moderate view of the justification and the extent of the moral rights of parents that avoids the extremes of both children's liberationism and parental absolutism. 1 claim that parents have rights qua parents, and that these prima facie rights are grounded in certain fundamental interests that both parents and children possess, namely, psychological well-being, intimate relationships, and the freedom to pursue that which brings satisfaction and meaning to life. I also examine several issues related to public policy and the moral dimensions of the family-child abuse, children divorcing their parents, and the religious upbringing of children-and consider what implications the argument has for these issues. I conclude that the argument's implications with respect to these issues further increases its plausibility.