Can the Ethics of Survival Reframe Moral Philosophy to Prioritize Fragility and Persistence Over Perfection?
Moral philosophy is typically concerned with how people should behave towards one another based on principles like justice, fairness, and equality.
The emerging field of ethics of survival posits that these traditional principles must be supplemented with an emphasis on the importance of resilience and persistence, particularly when it comes to responding to existential threats such as climate change and global pandemics. In this essay, I will explore how the ethics of survival can reframe moral philosophy to prioritize fragility and persistence over perfection.
The concept of fragility has been gaining traction in recent years, particularly in the context of feminist theory and postcolonial studies. Feminists have argued that women's bodies are often seen as inherently fragile or weak compared to men's bodies, leading to a systemic devaluation of women and their contributions. Similarly, postcolonial scholars have noted how colonialism has viewed non-Western cultures as inferior and therefore "fragile" compared to Western civilization, which has led to exploitation and oppression. These examples illustrate how the idea of fragility can be used to justify harmful attitudes and behaviors.
Fragility also carries positive connotations.
Many feminist writers have celebrated the strength and resilience of those who have faced adversity and still persisted, often citing the example of mothers raising children alone or women who have experienced violence and abuse. Likewise, indigenous communities have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and innovation in response to environmental challenges like droughts and floods. This suggests that rather than viewing fragility as a sign of weakness, we should see it as evidence of human potential for endurance and creativity.
In light of these insights, the ethics of survival proposes that moral philosophy must place greater emphasis on fragility and persistence. We cannot simply rely on abstract principles like justice and fairness but need to account for the specific vulnerabilities and strengths of individuals and communities when making decisions about how to respond to crises.
If climate change threatens food security for a particular region, moral philosophers might consider not just the most efficient solution but one that prioritizes equitable distribution of resources and supports local communities in building resilience over time.
This reframing requires us to question traditional ideas about perfection, such as the belief that perfect equality is always desirable. Instead, we should recognize that imperfect solutions may be necessary to preserve human life and well-being.
Emergency aid programs may provide temporary relief during a pandemic while still recognizing that long-term healthcare infrastructure is crucial for preventing future outbreaks. Similarly, short-term solutions like nuclear power plants may be needed to address climate change while also investing in renewable energy sources for the future.
The ethics of survival highlights the importance of contextualized decision-making and embracing our limitations. Rather than striving towards an idealized vision of what society "should" look like, we should focus on practical responses to urgent problems while acknowledging that no single solution will satisfy all parties involved. By prioritizing fragility and persistence, moral philosophy can better serve its purpose of protecting individual rights and promoting collective flourishing.
Can the ethics of survival reframe moral philosophy to prioritize fragility and persistence over perfection?
There is no single universally accepted definition of "ethics," but it generally refers to principles that guide an individual's behavior in relation to others. In terms of survival, ethical considerations may involve decisions about how best to allocate limited resources such as food, water, and shelter. The traditional approach to morality has often emphasized perfectionism, which means striving for the highest possible standards of conduct.