Becoming is an essential aspect of living, but it often entails ethical challenges that require careful consideration. In this article, I will explore the philosophical framework of becoming and its implications for ethical relational engagement, including how it can be applied to different situations such as friendship, romantic partnerships, and professional relationships.
Becoming involves change and growth, both personally and socially. It requires individuals to adapt to new environments, learn from their experiences, and develop their capacities. As such, it has ethical implications that need to be addressed, such as whether one should prioritize personal development over the needs of others or if they are equally important.
In a friendship, a person may feel a strong desire to become independent and self-sufficient, which could lead them to neglect their friend's needs.
The philosophy of becoming suggests that this shift towards independence is necessary for personal growth, but it also means that the individual must balance their needs with those of their friend. This leads to questions about how much time and energy they should spend on their friend, what type of support they should provide, and how to communicate effectively during times of disagreement. Similarly, in romantic partnerships, becoming involves negotiating boundaries, resolving conflicts, and managing emotions, all of which have ethical dimensions.
A couple might argue over who should take responsibility for household chores, leading to tension and resentment. The philosophy of becoming suggests that they should consider each other's perspectives and work towards compromise rather than insisting on their own way.
In addition to interpersonal relationships, becoming affects professional relationships too.
An employee may seek out new opportunities to advance their career, which can mean leaving their current job. In doing so, they would face ethical challenges related to loyalty and fairness, particularly when considering the impact on colleagues and clients. According to the philosophy of becoming, they should strive to find a balance between their interests and responsibilities while being transparent about their intentions and minimizing harm.
These examples demonstrate how becoming necessitates new frameworks for ethical relational engagement that prioritize communication, mutual respect, and empathy.
Does the philosophy of becoming necessitate new frameworks for ethical relational engagement?
Yes, the philosophy of becoming necessitates new frameworks for ethical relational engagement due to its emphasis on continuous change and transformation rather than fixed identities and roles. In the process of becoming, people are constantly interacting with others and creating meaningful relationships that shape their identities and values. This requires individuals to reconsider traditional notions of selfhood, morality, and social norms, leading to new perspectives on ethics and moral decision-making.