(September 12, 2012 at 4:35 pm)liam Wrote: To preface this thread, I'd just like to make everyone aware that I haven't eaten anyone nor do I intend to, this is simply theoretical. Not that I'd mind it, always wondered what people taste like...
Anyhow, I have been a long-time advocate of the legalisation of cannibalism as a legitimate practice, but this seems to have some pretty bad repercussions in an environment with 'normal' people, so I thought I'd discuss it with you all. I acknowledge that there will be different perspectives and so I will have a hard time addressing all of their attitudes but I will try.
1: If we accept that there is nothing after death, then there is no individual to harm through this act (Therefore, theories which attempt to prevent harm are not able to contest it on these grounds).
2: If we consider the wider ramifications of cannibalism, there is very little/no damage to society or others, and as such democratic theories (i.e Utilitarianism) cannot decry it for its harm to relatives, etc.
3: If there is no murder (the individual died of natural causes/accidents, etc.) then there is no reason to object to the acquisition of the corpse
4: If the individual is consenting, what authority does anyone else have over how his/her choice of their corpse's use?
These are only a few points to get the ball rolling, I'm relatively skeptical about this myself but I feel that it ought to be discussed. Let us see what may be seen.
Is cannibalism illegal to begin with? I know there are laws against murder or improper disposal of human parts - but against cannibalism specifically.
From what I understand, a person can dictate the terms of the disposal of his body in his will. Or failing such specification, the next of kin assumes the responsibility and ownership - especially in unusual cases such as taxidermy or being turned into fertilizer. As long as the process of cannibalism doesn't violate any specific health codes or environmental laws, I don't see legal objections to it.
Though, ofcourse, these things vary from country to country.
