research-article

On ethical order

  • SONG Xiren
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  • School of Philosophy, Renmin University, Beijing 100872, China

Published date: 05 Jun 2009

Copyright

2014 Higher Education Press and Brill

Abstract

The existent ethical relationships are the result of the historical amalgamation of objective and subjective conditions. Ethical relationships are essential relationships in the real and rational order, which are maintained by a system of regulations on morals, laws and customs, and infused with a spirit of subjectivity. Rationality and legitimacy are the primary concerns of those relationships. A distinction between morals and ethos needs to be made when studying ethical order. Sound ethical order lies in effective regulation of morals and effective control of law. In the process of social reform, ethical order promotes social development through the dialectical movement of freedom and necessity. A harmonious society is a society which is based on legitimate and just ethical order.

Cite this article

SONG Xiren . On ethical order[J]. Frontiers of Philosophy in China, 2009 , 4(2) : 211 -226 . DOI: 10.1007/s11466-009-0013-6

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