Universale moralische Prinzipien und Normen - ein naiver Traum?

In: Zeitschrift für Politik: ZfP, Band 57, Heft 2, S. 141-155

Abstract

A threefold thesis is argued for: Normative moral universals are imperative should humanity go on in an as peaceful as possible way; careful hermeneutic investigation demonstrates that such universals do exist; the actually most relevant ethico-political challenge demands to reinforce these, time & again, in a process directed by the formal idea of the good. Global politics must not be disposed of, yet need to be rooted in a carefully reflected core-ethos: in values, principles, & attitudes humanity has known & respected for ages, though always in a historic form. This is confirmed by various & empirical studies. Reference is made to the Declaration Toward a Global Ethic, to studies by Samuel Huntington & Heiner Roetz, to international declarations (UNO, U NESCO), & "Birthright of Man," a collection of quotations from a wide variety of the world's cultural traditions (U NESCO),- finally to international agreements & codes elaborated by entities within the Civil Society. The last-mentioned category is exemplified by the International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects (CIOMS Guidelines). Adapted from the source document.