discourse ethics

Lesson Objectives

01 02 03
2. explain the 3. discuss the
1.Articulate principles of (U) principles of fair
why discourse and (I) as the and just
ethics was a discourse and
necessary foundations of
development; discourse how these
ethics; and principles lead to
a shared we-
perspective.
 What is a discourse ethics?

Discourse theory is a theory that shows

rational people how to arrive at a shared
conception of the good using reason
alone.
 JURGEN HABERMAS

GERMAN PHILOSOPHER

One of the most important philosophers of

discourse theory.
 Competing Conceptions of the Good

The foundational idea that brought about the emergence of

discourse ethics is the idea that there are competing conceptions
.
of the good in modernized societies.

dominant systems are generally useful guides for a

behavior, especially in a community.
 "Legislating" for Autonomous Rational
Beings

The basic idea of discourse theory is that human

beings are rational and autonomous, and as such
need to legislate for themselves their rules of
behavior.
The Basic Characteristics of Discourse Procedures

• The process must take place in argumentative

form or through the "regulated exchange of
information and reasons among parties who
introduce and critically test proposals.“

• "Deliberations are inclusive and public.

• Deliberations are uncoerced and participants are

"bound only by the presuppositions of
communication and rules of argumentation."
The Basic Characteristics of Discourse Procedures

• "Deliberations are free of any internal coercion that could

detract from the equality of the
Participants.

• "Deliberations aim in general or rationally motivated

agreements and can in principle be
indefinitely continued or resumed to any time.“

• "Political deliberations extend to any matter that can be

regulated in the equal interest of all.“

• "Political deliberations also include the interpretation of

needs and wants and the change of
pre-political attitudes and preferences.
Shared Opinion and Will-Formation

What is shared opinion and will?

People live in harmony and peace with each other

when, despite their competing conceptions of the
good.

A shared we-perspective is a community's shared

horizon of understanding that is born from the free
and fair engagement of persons who bear different
frames for understanding the good.
For example, when people with competing conception of land ownership together
because they have to formulate policy with regard to indigenous people owning their
land, they need to engage in a constructive process of discourse, Indigenous people
who live according to non-Westernized lifeways believe that land cannot be owned. One
is born to the land. One's community belongs to the land. The spirits of the land are
known to one's people and they help with misfortune, good harvest, and can be spoken
to and negotiated with. The land is essential to one's life and it is sacred because it is
alive with spirits, and even the trees and the land are persons. Thus, it cannot be bought
and sold It cannot be partitioned. And one cannot do whatever one wishes to the land
and its inhabitants.
Thank you!