Journal of East China Normal University (Philosoph ›› 2012, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (4): 65-70.

• 伦理学研究 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

On the Integration of Ethics and Morality: A Study focusing on Donald Dworkin

Zhang Rong-nan   

  • Online:2012-07-15 Published:2012-09-12
  • Contact: Zhang Rong-nan
  • About author:Zhang Rong-nan

Abstract: In contemporary moral philosophy, ethics and morality are regarded as two different categories: ethics deals with how we should live our life, while morality concerns how we should treat each other. Ronald Dworkin tries to integrate ethics and morality by the principle of human dignity. He makes a special interpretation about human dignity by ideals of self-respect and authenticity. Dworkin wants to establish a system of values mutually supporting each other by interpretation. Such an admirable effort encounters some difficulties. For authenticity which involves the principle of responsibility is a first-person ideal, while self-respect which involves the principle of equal objective importance is a second-person ideal. They might conflict with each other when duty of aid is concerned.