Defining an adult - question

[marita_c]

This is for something that I’m writing:

Let’s say that a man (21+ y.o.) has ‘amnesia’: His language capabilities are intact, he can still win a game of Trivia, can operate a computer and play the piano – BUT his episodic memory is gone for good. He doesn’t know who he is, has absolutely no recollection of any previous experiences, events or people. 100% clean slate.

Many people say that it’s the experience the shapes the person – what you’ve been through throughout your life has made you into what you are.

According to this, once that man suffers said amnesia, he’s reduced, in many ways, to an infant. Would you consider that person to be an adult? Would you allow him to vote, drink alcohol, have sex? 

Comments

[51stcenturyfox.livejournal.com]

If he can speak, walk, use a computer, etc., he's not at the level of an infant.

BUT. More importantly, he's still subject to the rule of law as an adult (if he committed a crime because he didn't know something was illegal,that isn't an excuse. You could argue as his defense lawyer based on diminished capacity, but apparently he doesn't have that, right? He can be told, "don't steal" and he won't? His mind does work?)

So yes, he should be able to vote and have adult rights. If you were his caretaker, I think it would be likely that you'd want to discourage alcohol use or sexual involvement until he re-learned things, though.

[marita-c.livejournal.com]

If you were his caretaker, I think it would be likely that you'd want to discourage alcohol use or sexual involvement until he re-learned things, though.

The caretaker's POV is very important to this, and I agree with your opinion. Perhaps a more appropriate comparison than an infant would be to someone who grew up in a bubble of sorts, lacking the "normal" experiences. While I expect someone like that to be very messed up, he'll still qualify as an adult.