Caring and Doing – Relational Ethics and Pragmatism

Free and open to the public!

Join Hugh Taft-Morales for an exploration of ethical paradigms from the Western tradition. There is no required reading, but those attending are encouraged to explore some of the discussion topics prior to each meeting.

Our final discussion will examine some alternative approaches to ethics, including systems that emphasize the importance of relationship over self-interest or sacrifice. What can we learn from classical Hegelian philosophy, more contemporary approaches to the “ethics of care,” and critiques by the likes of Carol Gilligan? Might beginning with “connection” instead of “autonomy” offer us better ethics? We will also explore what ethics is in a pragmatic light, and examine some of the perspective of William James, Jane Adams, and John Dewey. Concluding this way reminds us that the conversation continues.