This article asks for criteria to evaluate the moral value of the emotion "Mitleid" (compassion, pity). It understands this emotion as a culturally formed affect which reinforces solidarity and social bonding among humans. In the Christian tradition, the moral value of "Mitleid" is often exemplified by its practical consequences, its leading to action. In contrast, current approaches in sociology and social theory emphasize the passive and distant attitude inherent to "Mitleid". Thus, the article asks for ethical criteria to determine the moral value of this emotion which apply when it is not leading to action. Therefore, it refers to the debate on moral sensitivity and the recognition among equals.

Enthalten in:
Zeitschrift für Evangelische Ethik; 2016/4 Kommentare, Studien, Berichte, Dokumentationen, Diskussionen, Rezensionen, Bibliographie (2016)

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Serie / Reihe: Zeitschrift für Evangelische Ethik

Personen: Klein, Rebekka A.

Schlagwörter: Sozialethik Solidarität Christliche Ethik Handlungsorientierung Mitleid Sozialphilosophie Paternalismus