Radical Ethics

doi:10.1017/9781009188128.014

11 - Radical Ethics

Marxism and Habermasian Critical Theory

from Part I - Traditions in Ethics and Education

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 March 2024

Katie Haus and

Barbara Dennis

Edited by

Sheron Fraser-Burgess ,

Jessica Heybach and

Dini Metro-Roland

Show author details

Sheron Fraser-Burgess: Affiliation:
Ball State University, Indiana
Jessica Heybach: Affiliation:
Florida International University
Dini Metro-Roland: Affiliation:
Western Michigan University

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Summary

The radical ethics of critical theory, from Marx to Habermas, proposes principles through which ethical deliberations might be pursued. The radical nature of Habermas’s ethics involves a recognition of “the other” as worthy and valid in their own right. Such radical openness to others has the potential of transforming us toward what is better. When an individual’s conception of the good life necessitates an awareness and orientation toward what is good for “others,” ethics converges with the moral point of view through what is just: the good life as synonymous with just living. The chapter begins with a compelling story of a Ugandan peaceworker through which the authors draw out critical ethical principles. Then, the authors apply the radical ethics of Habermas’s critical theory to the contemporary US policy discourse around trans athletes’ participation in school sports. That discourse is analyzed according the principles introduced through the story at the beginning of the chapter.

Keywords

Karl Marx Jürgen Habermas critical theory ethical deliberations trans athletes

Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Ethics and Education , pp. 213 - 236

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009188128.014 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2024

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11 - Radical Ethics

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