Dialogical Ethics

Abstract

In this dissertation it is argued that moral reconstruction-i.e. the improvement of one's self and one's communities-can be fruitfully interpreted as a kind of dialogue in which there is a mutual adjustment of attitudes in expectation of how behaviors will impact the fulfillment of the needs and interests of all who are involved. This argument draws inspiration and support from a 20th century trend in philosophy that interpreted social development through the lens of significant engagements. Exemplars of this trend are explored against the backdrop of the ideological confliict between individualism and collectivism. A concept of genuineness, the conditions required for dialogue to be morally reconstructive, are developed. This dialogical ethics is then contrasted with other contemporary approaches to ethics.