The concept of freedom of speech, together with the secular character of the state, has led to an unfavourable situation – while everybody is entitled to their private opinion, society as a whole doesn’t progress.
There is the idea that truth cannot be found any more.
Every statement is just an opinion.
This is especially concerning in two areas: The nation may only progress if there is some unity of purpose.
Related to it is the second concern – the loss of a moral compass.
More and more, courts are asked to decide on issues of sexuality, marriage and other personal behaviour.
Due to a lack of conceptualised ethics, judicial decisions become arbitrary to an extent.
The state needs a (metaphysical) concept based on a (phenomenological) philosophical analysis leading towards (social) ethics as guidelines.
Dignity, truth, trust and hope are cornerstones of society which have to be strengthened.
While the law deals with transgressions, ethics aim’ at the positive development of the individual and society.
The empirical analysis of society is usually quantitative and pessimistic.
Engaging ethics instead of economics may be the better way forward.
Andreas Peltzer
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