What is the origin of obligation? Cover Image

What is the origin of obligation?
What is the origin of obligation?

Author(s): Alexander Krémer
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Slovenská Akadémia Vied - Kabinet výskumu sociálnej a biologickej komunikácie
Keywords: public; private; obligation; destruction; deconstruction;

Summary/Abstract: The public-private distinction is often treated as a uni-dimensional, rigidly dichotomous and absolute, fixed and universal concept, whose meaning can be determined by the objective content of behaviour. Nevertheless, if we take a closer look at the distinction in diverse empirical contexts we find them to be more subtle, diffused and ambiguous than suggested. I am convinced that the boundary separating the private from the public shifts constantly, it is contested and historically bound. The public and private must be treated as multi-dimensional, continuous and relative, fluid and situational or contextual concepts, whose meaning lies in how they are interpreted and framed. The paper analyzes some of the moral dimensions of these concepts drawing on the concept of deconstruction.

  • Issue Year: 2003
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 34-43
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: English