A prioridade de uma abordagem narrativa em questões de ética aplicada

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the possibility of employing a narrative approach – especially the literary – in the treatment of applied ethical issues compared to the approaches of Normative Ethics as Utilitarian Theory. In the first chapter, we will focus primarily on some metaethical considerations about morality. In the second, in the other hand, we intend to present certain characteristics of the Utilitarian doctrine. It is worth remembering that we call traditional all approaches of Normative Ethics. This includes the Kantian ethical theory, Virtue Ethics, besides the already mentioned Utilitarianism. In sequence, in the third chapter, we will introduce the Ethics of Authenticity notion as a starting point through which we will begin to conceive the viability of a narrative approach in Ethics. Furthermore, the forth chapter of this assessment will include remarks of own authorship on what consists a differentiated approach in Applied Ethics. Without delay, in the fifth, we will promote an exemplification of how Applied Ethics issues can be problematized starting from a narrative approach. Finally, in the sixth chapter, we will show some objections to the premise that narrative cohesion in the life of an individual is necessary and essential for it to make some sense from a moral standpoint. In short, we will seek to indicate in this dissertation how the criticism thrown by Carl Elliott, Raimond Gaita, Charles Taylor (and others) to traditional notions of ethics – the Utilitarian notion of Peter Singer, for example – are capable of causing significant changes and improvements in areas of knowledge crucial to the most diverse interests. In a nutshell, Gaita advocates a concept of morality at the same time more humane and less distant from the daily reality shared by all of us. According to Elliott, in turn, the Bioethics manuals, health professionals and researchers working in the area of Applied Ethics can be widely benefited from the change proposed by him. In addition, we will argue, similarly, that literature allows us to reflect more deeply on a considerable number of issues relevant to Philosophy.