What are the arguments against responsibility?

Question

I am not asking what the arguments are for immoralism, but what arguments there are for not doing the valuable thing, when there is clearly an opportunity to right wrongs or be virtuous or impede disaster, etc.. Does Heidegger talk about this in context of 'inauthenticity'? Just a guess.

Answer 1

Your question delves into the core of ethical and moral philosophy. It seems you're asking about arguments that might justify or explain a lack of action or responsibility in the face of clear opportunities to do good or prevent harm. While there are many ways to approach this question, I'll focus on a few philosophical concepts and theories that might be relevant.

1. Moral Relativism: This is the belief that moral judgments and values are culture-specific and personal. In this perspective, what may seem like a clear opportunity to do good or prevent harm may not be perceived as such by everyone, because their cultural or personal values differ.

2. Nihilism: This philosophical belief asserts that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. In extreme forms of nihilism, moral principles are viewed as arbitrary, and so there may be no inherent value or obligation in doing good or preventing harm.

3. Psychological Egoism: This is the view that individuals are always motivated by self-interest, even in what seem to be acts of altruism. A person subscribing to this view might argue that they are not obligated to act unless there is a clear benefit to themselves.

4. Determinism: This is the philosophical concept that all events, including moral choices, are determined completely by previously existing causes. In a deterministic view, the concept of responsibility is fundamentally flawed because people don't truly have free will to make different choices.

5. Existentialism/Heidegger's Inauthenticity: In Heidegger's existential philosophy, 'inauthenticity' refers to living unreflectively or conforming to societal norms without questioning. An 'inauthentic' individual might not take responsibility because they are not fully engaged with their own existence or the consequences of their actions.

Remember, these are not necessarily "arguments against responsibility," but rather perspectives that might lead someone to avoid action in situations where others might see a clear moral imperative. These views are widely debated in philosophical and ethical discussions, and they don't represent the only ways to approach the question of moral responsibility.