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Asymmetrical ethics

Asymmetrical ethics radically reverses our activities. Thus, the purpose of the economy and politics is to alleviate the suffering of the Other. This reversal raises man above Being, for within Being the purpose of economics and politics is self-affirmation through power and wealth.

Asymmetrical ethics

In asymmetrical ethics, society is not based on reciprocity, but the unconditional and unselfish goodness for others. This principle has not been rationally conceived. Rationally, society must be based on reciprocity. Give a little, take a little. As a result, the poor, orphans, and widows who have nothing to offer are therefore ignored.

If society is based on goodness, it becomes humane for everyone. Goodness is only real when it is unconditional and selfless. Whoever does good for another, does not demand anything in return and does not set any conditions.

Doing good is not rational. It is a command that is directed to every individual. That command comes from elsewhere, not from the world, not from Being. The answer where this appeal comes from has been narrated in the Holy Scriptures. For Western civilization, this is the Bible. The core message of the Bible is that priority must be given to the Other. The I is in the service of the Other.

That we are called to do good for others brings us to the idea of ​​God. This idea is not a naive belief, but an openness to what is not of this world, to what comes from outside of Being.

Non-reciprocity is the asymmetry of ethics. Only this ethic can effectively combat hatred in the world.

What should we do in the world:

- lack of education or proper education for children

- lack of primary health care that is accessible to everyone

- extreme poverty and famine

- oppression of women in the Islamic world and black Africa

- female circumcision

In all societies and cultures, some things need to get better, and that needs to be fought, but we talk here about the extremes that are a disgrace to humanity as a whole. For example, in rich countries, there is widespread abuse of women, sexual harassment, and discrimination against minorities, but it deserves much attention and actions are consistently being taken. The majority agree that these abuses must be condemned and addressed.

The above five cases of abuse must be given top priority. These abuses are no longer appropriate in the 21st century. We must dare to draw firm conclusions from this. I provide a few examples:

- Western diplomacy and foreign policy must take the asymmetrical ethical vocation as a starting point (following the Judeo-Christian and humanist roots of Western civilization)

- the enormous budgets for space travel can be better spent on tackling these conditions

- for the time being, the medical field and the pharmaceutical industry's emphasis must be on improving primary health care to the farthest corners of the world. So no huge budgets for research in areas that are less important than the basic.

- exorbitant salaries and bonuses are being abolished; the money released is spent on improving the abuses mentioned above

- immigrants and subsequent generations must return to their countries of origin to assume their responsibilities there.

Today, there is a great danger: the West is continuously attacked and accused of racism, discrimination, and other forms of exploitation. All these abuses certainly occur, but the foundation of Western civilization is and remains asymmetrical ethics. The emphasis must be on the many who are committed to removing the abuses mentioned.

It is not about the superiority of Western civilization. The ethical calling applies to all people who are open to it. That is why we must stop criticizing other political regimes. It is enough to set a good example yourself and to meet the needs where possible. That way, the West can inspire the world for good, and other civilizations can do the same.

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   © Juliaan Van Acker 2024