A common approach to moral philosophy is that there exists an objective standard of right and wrong that applies universally across cultures and contexts. This view assumes that human beings are rational, self-interested, and have a fundamental capacity for reason and judgment.
This approach has been criticized for its exclusive focus on Western values and exclusion of alternative perspectives. Radical inclusion offers a way forward, proposing that morality must be inclusive of all experiences and perspectives if it is to be meaningful and effective. In a pluralistic ontology of being, there is no single truth or reality but multiple ways of knowing, interpreting, and engaging with the world. Moral philosophy must acknowledge and integrate these diverse approaches to create a more nuanced and holistic understanding of ethics.
This essay explores how radical inclusion reshapes moral philosophy toward a more pluralistic ontology of being. The central argument is that a more inclusive approach to morality requires recognizing and integrating different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge systems into the moral framework. To do so, we need to rethink traditional assumptions about what constitutes "the good" and broaden our conception of what counts as morally valid behavior. By embracing diversity and complexity, we can achieve greater harmony and cooperation in a multicultural society.
The first step towards radical inclusion is acknowledging cultural differences and recognizing the importance of context.
Some cultures place greater emphasis on community and interdependence than individualism, while others value independence and personal autonomy. We cannot assume that one perspective is superior to another without understanding their historical and social origins. Instead, we should seek to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives, recognizing that they may have merit beyond our own experience.
We need to reconsider the role of reason in moral decision-making. Reason alone does not provide an objective standard for ethical judgments; instead, it is shaped by cultural and social factors. It is essential to recognize that different cultures may prioritize different values and beliefs, such as justice versus compassion or honesty versus loyalty. By expanding our conceptual frameworks, we can better integrate alternative approaches to morality into a holistic understanding.
Radical inclusion requires us to engage with other ways of knowing and experiencing the world. This includes non-rational modes of thinking, such as intuition, imagination, emotion, and sensory perception. These forms of cognition are often undervalued in Western philosophy but play a vital role in many cultures' moral systems.
Indigenous cultures may rely heavily on spirituality and animism to guide behavior. By incorporating these perspectives into our moral framework, we broaden our understanding of what counts as ethical action and create more inclusive ethics.
Radical inclusion reshapes moral philosophy toward a more pluralistic ontology of being by acknowledging cultural differences, rethinking reason in ethical judgment, and embracing alternative forms of knowledge and experience. By doing so, we can achieve greater harmony and cooperation in a multicultural society and address complex ethical issues such as climate change and inequality.
How does radical inclusion reshape moral philosophy toward a more pluralistic ontology of being?
The concept of radical inclusion is associated with pluralism, which implies that multiple ways of life coexist peacefully within a society. This approach suggests that there are no universal moral principles because different cultures have unique values and belief systems. Accordingly, radical inclusion encourages individuals to embrace diversity by acknowledging differences rather than imposing their views on others. In turn, this shift in moral philosophy leads to a more complex understanding of ethics that recognizes multiple perspectives and experiences.