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Principle of humanity

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In philosophy and rhetoric, the principle of humanity states that when interpreting another speaker we must assume that his or her beliefs and desires are connected to each other and to reality in some way, and attribute to him or her "the propositional attitudes one supposes one would have oneself in those circumstances".[1] The principle of humanity was named by Richard Grandy (then an assistant professor of philosophy at Princeton University) who first expressed it in 1973. The philosophical insights derived from Richard E. Grandy’s analysis of belief representation carry significant ethical implications for the principle of humanity. This principle emphasizes the necessity of empathy and respect when interpreting the beliefs and desires of others.[2]

Application in Academic Contexts

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The Principle of Humanity is not only relevant in philosophical discussions but also plays a significant role in shaping ethical climates within academic institutions.   A study conducted at the University of Split, Croatia, revealed variations in ethical perceptions across different faculties, including engineering, humanities, and medicine (Malički et al., 2019).   This variation underscores the necessity of understanding the specific ethical contexts in which the Principle of Humanity must be applied. The ethical implications of the Principle of Humanity emphasize the importance of empathy and respect when interpreting the beliefs and desires of others.   In academic settings, fostering an environment that prioritizes these values can significantly enhance research integrity and ethical behavior among faculty and students. The aforementioned study highlights that an ethical climate characterized by respect and understanding can mitigate research misconduct and promote accountability (Malički et al., 2019). [3]

Pragmatic Constraints on Translation

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Fitzgerald emphasizes that POH acts as a pragmatic constraint that ensures translations are intelligible, requiring the interpreter to consider their own beliefs in relation to those of the speaker. Integration: This can be framed as a discussion point within the article about how POH impacts various fields, such as linguistics, philosophy, and ethics, showcasing its interdisciplinary relevance.[4]


See also

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References

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  1. ^ Daniel Dennett, "Mid-Term Examination," in The Intentional Stance, p. 343
  2. ^ Grandy, Richard E. (1981-02-01). "Forms of belief". Synthese. 46 (2): 271–284. doi:10.1007/BF01064392. ISSN 1573-0964.
  3. ^ Malički, Mario; Katavić, Vedran; Marković, Domagoj; Marušić, Matko; Marušić, Ana (February 2019). "Perceptions of Ethical Climate and Research Pressures in Different Faculties of a University: Cross-Sectional Study at the University of Split, Croatia". Science and Engineering Ethics. 25 (1): 231–245. doi:10.1007/s11948-017-9987-y. ISSN 1353-3452.
  4. ^ Hansen, Chad (2014-02-03), "Principle of Humanity vs. Principle of Charity", Moral Relativism and Chinese Philosophy, State University of New York Press, pp. 71–102, ISBN 978-1-4384-5096-4, retrieved 2024-10-19
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