中欧社会论坛 - China Europa ForumThe evolution of moral and ethical reference points in China and in Europe
Both regions in the face of the dual need for continuity and openness
Authors: Edith Sizoo
Date: 2007
In the Presentation of this thematic workshop it is stated that :
“The workshop will have a dual descriptive and normative aim. Descriptive by comparing the evolution of ethical and moral reference points in the two societies and the consequences that this evolution entails; normative by seeking to affirm common principles on which they can agree in order to contribute to a pacified and cautious management of the planet.”
The same text says :
“Ethics is a major component of culture. For this reason, in each society it is endowed with a certain lasting quality. But ethics are also evolving, even if it is because the concrete situations that require ethical choices are themselves constantly evolving on their scale or in their nature.”
Moral and ethical points of reference
Prior to a description of the « evolution » of moral and ethical points of reference, it seems necessary that we would describe, from the European side, not only what we understand by “moral and ethical points of reference”, but also that we specify where they come from and on what they are based.
If ethics can be defined as a whole of moral conceptions meant to guide right and good behaviour : where and when did these emerge and how were these moral conceptions formalised ? Did they develop and change in the course of their histories, and which ones are still recognized as relevant ? Is it indeed possible to discern « a certain permanence » in the whole of moral conceptions in Europe ?
This document in different languages
- English: doc_310.pdf (140 KiB)
- French: doc_308.pdf (140 KiB)