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Single Idea 23815

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / h. Respect ]

Full Idea

It is impossible to feel equal respect for things that are in fact unequal unless the respect is given to something that is identical in all of them. Men are all unequal in all their relations with things of this world.

Gist of Idea

We cannot equally respect what is unequal, so equal respect needs a shared ground

Source

Simone Weil (Draft Statement of Human Obligations [1943], p.223)

Book Ref

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.223


A Reaction

Weil votes for some link to transcendence in each of us, but I would prefer some more naturalistic proposal for what we all have in common. There are plenty of aspects which unite all human beings, which grounds this unconditional respect.


The 18 ideas with the same theme [assigning value to the lives of others]:

Kantian respect is for humanity and reason (not from love or sympathy or solidarity) [Kant, by Sandel]
We can love without respect, and show respect without love [Kant]
Respect is limiting our self-esteem by attending to the human dignity of other persons [Kant]
Disrespect is using a person as a mere means to my own ends [Kant]
Respect is purely negative (of not exalting oneself over others), and is thus a duty of Right [Kant]
Love urges us to get closer to people, but respect to keep our distance [Kant]
We must respect the humanity even in a vicious criminal [Kant]
Teach youth to respect people who differ with them, not people who agree with them [Nietzsche]
Religious experience deserves the same respect as our other key experiences, and is best called 'holy' [Taylor,AE, by PG]
Individuals need creativity, reverence for others, and self-respect [Russell]
People lose their rights if they do not respect the rights of others [Ross]
We cannot equally respect what is unequal, so equal respect needs a shared ground [Weil]
Respect is our only obligation, which can only be expressed through deeds, not words [Weil]
To have respect for people, you must feel their claims, or their injustices, or hold them in awe [Taylor,C]
Equality of opportunity without equality of respect would create a very inhuman society [Williams,B]
The word 'respect' ranges from mere non-interference to the highest levels of reverence [Blackburn]
Altruism is either emotional (where your interests are mine) or moral (where they are reasons for me) [Scruton]
We should respect the right of people to live in their own way, even if it is irrational [Swift]