The Emergence of Subjectivism in Ethics
Table of contents
The Emergence of Subjectivism in Ethics
Subjectivity, once unleashed, proved difficult to contain within traditional moral boundaries. The Protestant emphasis on individual conscience led to an inherently anarchic approach to ethics. However, this perspective coexisted with strong social norms and conventions, which often prioritized conformity over individual expression.
Context
The 18th-century Enlightenment saw a shift towards greater emphasis on reason, individualism, and the pursuit of happiness. Philosophers like David Hume and Immanuel Kant explored the nature of morality, leading to debates about the role of conscience and personal character in ethical decision-making. Meanwhile, literary figures like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Samuel Richardson began to portray characters driven by emotions and personal convictions rather than external moral codes.
Timeline
- 1670s: The Protestant Reformation solidifies its emphasis on individual conscience.
- 1689: John Locke’s Letter Concerning Toleration articulates the importance of individual rights and freedoms.
- 1720s: The rise of sentimentalism in literature, exemplified by writers like Richardson and Rousseau, begins to blur traditional moral boundaries.
- 1751: Adam Smith publishes The Theory of Moral Sentiments, introducing the concept of sympathy as a foundation for moral judgment.
- 1762: Jean-Jacques Rousseau publishes Emile , which explores the development of virtue through education and personal experience.
- 1789: The French Revolution ushers in an era of radical individualism, influencing philosophers like Kant and Fichte.
- 1800s: The cult of heroism emerges, with figures like Carlyle and Nietzsche advocating for the authority of exceptional individuals.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Subjectivism: The view that moral judgments are based on individual feelings, intuitions, or perspectives rather than objective principles or rules.
- Anarchic: Describing a system or approach that rejects traditional authorities, norms, or constraints in favor of individual autonomy and self-expression.
- Sensibility: An 18th-century literary and philosophical movement emphasizing the importance of emotions, personal feelings, and moral sensitivity.
- Heroism: The cult of individual greatness, where exceptional individuals are celebrated for their actions, virtues, or accomplishments.
- Moral sentiment: A concept introduced by Adam Smith, referring to the shared emotional experiences that underlie moral judgments and social interactions.
Key Figures and Groups
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau: French philosopher and writer who emphasized education, personal development, and the importance of emotions in shaping individual character.
- Immanuel Kant: German philosopher who developed a comprehensive theory of morality based on reason, duty, and universal principles.
- Friedrich Nietzsche: German philosopher who critiqued traditional morality and advocated for individual greatness, creativity, and self-overcoming.
Mechanisms and Processes
The emergence of subjectivism in ethics can be seen as a gradual process:
- The Protestant emphasis on individual conscience creates a tension between personal conviction and external moral codes.
- Sentimentalism in literature highlights the importance of emotions and personal feelings in shaping moral judgments.
- Adam Smith’s concept of sympathy introduces a foundation for moral judgment based on shared emotional experiences.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Emile explores the development of virtue through education and personal experience, further blurring traditional moral boundaries.
- The cult of heroism emerges as a celebration of individual greatness, often at the expense of conventional morality.
Deep Background
The 18th-century Enlightenment saw significant changes in intellectual and cultural attitudes towards morality, individualism, and social norms. Key institutions like the University of Edinburgh and the French Academy played important roles in disseminating new ideas and fostering intellectual debates. Meanwhile, literary figures like Richardson and Rousseau helped shape public opinion through their portrayals of characters driven by emotions and personal convictions.
Explanation and Importance
The emergence of subjectivism in ethics has far-reaching implications for our understanding of morality, individualism, and social norms. By emphasizing the importance of personal feelings, intuitions, and perspectives, philosophers like Rousseau and Nietzsche challenge traditional moral frameworks and open up new possibilities for individual expression and self-overcoming.
Comparative Insight
Compared to the more objective moral theories of Immanuel Kant or John Rawls, the subjectivist approach emphasized by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Friedrich Nietzsche offers a distinct perspective on morality. While Kant’s theory relies on universal principles and reason, Rousseau’s emphasis on emotions and personal experience highlights the role of individual sentiment in shaping moral judgments.
Extended Analysis
The Rise of Sentimentalism
Sentimentalism emerged as a literary movement in the 18th century, emphasizing the importance of emotions and personal feelings in shaping moral judgments. Writers like Richardson and Rousseau portrayed characters driven by emotions rather than external moral codes. This shift towards sentimentalism created a tension between individual expression and traditional morality.
The Cult of Heroism
The cult of heroism emerged as a celebration of individual greatness, often at the expense of conventional morality. Figures like Carlyle and Nietzsche advocated for the authority of exceptional individuals, challenging traditional moral frameworks and opening up new possibilities for self-expression and self-overcoming.
Moral Sentiment and Sympathy
Adam Smith’s concept of sympathy introduced a foundation for moral judgment based on shared emotional experiences. This emphasis on moral sentiment highlights the role of individual emotions in shaping moral judgments, creating a tension between reason and personal feeling.
Education and Personal Development
Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Emile explores the development of virtue through education and personal experience, further blurring traditional moral boundaries. This approach emphasizes the importance of individual growth and self-improvement over external moral codes or institutions.
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
- How do you think individual morality relates to social norms and conventions?
- Can you identify any potential drawbacks or limitations of the subjectivist approach in ethics?
- In what ways does the cult of heroism challenge traditional moral frameworks?
Conclusion
The emergence of subjectivism in ethics has far-reaching implications for our understanding of morality, individualism, and social norms. By emphasizing the importance of personal feelings, intuitions, and perspectives, philosophers like Rousseau and Nietzsche challenge traditional moral frameworks and open up new possibilities for individual expression and self-overcoming.