The materials that constitute the general theory of responsibility are to be found across a number of books and articles. An outline of the key ideas and their interconnections is set out in below, followed by a guide to the publications where detailed exposition of these ideas can be found. A three-part introduction to these ideas will also be posted on Question the Powerful (in May 2020).
Our aim is to explain why we should guide and encourage others to act responsibly, what that means in practice, and how to promote the socio-political conditions that are conducive to responsible behaviour at all levels.
[1] Mutual Responsibility
Our Concern for Each Other:
The starting point is the evolution of human connectedness that is reflected by the universal acknowledgement of the Golden Rule of behaviour – that we should act towards others as we would have them act towards us. This forms the basis of mutual responsibility, whereby we recognise the need to account for our behaviour to each other.
The Problem of Indifference:
Some people may lack concern for others because of emotionally damaging upbringing, acquired prejudice, unfortunate pathology, dogmatic embrace of egotism, or some other empathy-depleting factor.
Empathic Thoughtfulness:
We need to cultivate empathic thoughtfulness as a preventative measure in general, and as a restorative technique where necessary. People can learn to see others as fellow human beings and develop a sense of responsibility towards them.
Togetherness in Society:
We need socio-political actions to enhance togetherness across communities to connect people and build solidarity, including the development of shared mission, mutual respect, and coherent membership
[2] Cooperative Enquiry
Our Reasoning with Each Other:
Our concern for each other means that we want to do what is helpful and avoid what is harmful for one another, and this requires us to differentiate what merits our belief regarding the consequences of our actions. This in turn calls upon us to be prepared to subject any claims being considered by ourselves and others to a mutual empirical scrutiny that is embodied in cooperative enquiry, exemplified by scientific research, legal due process, and impartial public inquiry.
The Problem of Ignorance:
Some people may not be aware of the relevant facts because of a lack of information, their adherence to dogmas, being deceived, or finding the details or arguments too complex to follow.
Cognitive Thoughtfulness:
We need to cultivate cognitive thoughtfulness so that people learn to enhance their reasoning skills, appreciate what constitutes a proper exchange of evidence and comments, and assess with confidence the reliability of diverse sources of information based on their track record in conducting cooperative enquiry.
Objectivity in Society:
We need socio-political actions to promote objectivity across communities to improve people’s awareness of the consequences of their behaviour, including the development of collaborative learning, critical reviews, and responsible communication.
[3] Citizen Participation
Our Decision-Making Involving Each Other:
If we are to take into account the feelings and reasons others have before we decide on any course of action that can affect them, we need to find meaningful ways to involve others in our decision-making. We would want to be so involved ourselves when others make decisions that affect us. This is the relationship fostered by citizen participation – at the heart of the culture of democracy.
The Problem of Imposition:
Some people may act irresponsibly because they would not factor in others’ concerns in their decisions as a result of their own impatience, arrogance, or incompetence in reaching out. There are others whose options for responsible action are much curtailed because they have been left with little control over their lives by more powerful people.
Volitional Thoughtfulness:
We need to cultivate volitional thoughtfulness, both to guide those overlooking the input from others to adopt a more inclusive mindset in seeking the views of those whose lives are affected by their decisions, and to help those with less power in society to expand their influence.
Power Balance in Society:
We need socio-political actions to secure better power balance across communities to ensure genuine mutual consideration is given when key decisions are made, including the development of participatory decision-making, civic parity, and public accountability.
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Guide to Further Reading
For more on the central ideas of Mutual Responsibility, Cooperative Enquiry, and Citizen Participation:
[a] an introduction to what they involve and their policy implications – Communitarianism: a new agenda for politics & citizenship: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communitarianism-New-Agenda-Politics-Citizenship/dp/0814782361
[b] a historical account of how the related ideas and practices have developed over time – The Evolution of Communitarian Ideas: https://www.palgrave.com/gb/book/9783030265571
For more on the educational and wider civic actions needed to promote responsible attitudes and behaviour:
[a] a summary of the ideas and practices related to Empathic Thoughtfulness, Cognitive Thoughtfulness, and Volitional Thoughtfulness – Political Literacy & Civic Thoughtfulness: https://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/political-literacy-civic-thoughtful.html
[b] an extensive examination of why and how we should pursue the socio-political objectives of Togetherness, Objectivity, and Power Balance – Time to Save Democracy: https://policypress.co.uk/time-to-save-democracy
For more on the nature of Responsibility, and the problems of Indifference, Ignorance, and Imposition:
[a] a critical examination of the criteria for ascribing responsibility – A Philosophical Study of the Criteria for Responsibility Ascriptions: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophical-Study-Criteria-Responsibility-Ascriptions/dp/0889467862
[b] a collection of essays (by a range of experts) on the obstacles to responsible behaviour – Punishment, Excuses & Moral Development: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Punishment-Excuses-Development-Avebury-Philosophy/dp/1859722601
For more on the effective approaches to advance responsible collective action through Citizen Participation:
[a] a collection of essays (by leading academics and practitioners) on how to improve state-citizen cooperation – Whose Government is it: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/whose-government-is-it
[b] a guide to the resources available to raise understanding of the value and practical application of citizen participation – Together We Can Resource Guide: https://hbtam.blogspot.com/2019/07/together-we-can-resource-guide.html
For more on the socio-political barriers to responsible behaviour:
[a] a collection of essays dealing with philosophical arguments as well as practical policy issues relating to the Problem of Ignorance – What Should Citizens Believe: https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Should-Citizens-Believe-Exploring/dp/1548183105
[b] a short global history on the undermining of Power Balance in society and how it could be tackled – Against Power Inequalities: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Power-Inequalities-progressive-struggle-ebook/dp/B00RQQYA5M/
[c] a collection of essays (by progressive writers) on the vision and policies that can steer us away from the threats of irresponsible diktats and exploitative arrangements – Progressive Politics in the Global Age: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Progressive-Politics-Global-Age-Henry/dp/0745625797
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For ‘The General Theory of Responsibility (part 1), go to: https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility.html
For ‘The General Theory of Responsibility (part 2), go to: https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility_11.html
For ‘The General Theory of Responsibility (part 3), go to: https://henry-tam.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-general-theory-of-responsibility_21.html
