Perhaps Ogien’s most controversial claim is the denial of "duties to oneself." Traditional ethics, from Kantianism to Aristotelian virtue ethics, often suggests we have a moral obligation to develop our talents, preserve our health, or maintain our dignity.
This stance leads to a significant conclusion: there are no "crimes without victims." If an action—such as drug use, voluntary euthanasia, or unconventional sexual practices—involves only consenting adults and does not infringe upon the rights of a third party, it cannot be considered morally wrong within a minimalist framework. The Rejection of Duties to Oneself Download Ruwen Ogien philosophie morale epub
The foundation of Ogien's thought is the "harm principle," famously articulated by John Stuart Mill but refined by Ogien for a contemporary context. This principle suggests that the only legitimate reason for moral or legal interference in an individual's life is to prevent harm to others. For Ogien, "harm" must be concrete and objective. Vague notions of "moral offense," "sin," or "indecency" do not constitute harm. Perhaps Ogien’s most controversial claim is the denial
Ruwen Ogien was a prominent French philosopher known for his "minimalist" approach to ethics, particularly detailed in works like L'Éthique aujourd'hui : Maximalistes et minimalistes (2007) and La philosophie morale (2004). His work challenges traditional moral frameworks by arguing for a sharp distinction between duties to oneself and duties to others. This principle suggests that the only legitimate reason
The following essay explores the core tenets of Ogien's moral philosophy, focusing on his minimalist ethics and the principle of "harm to others." The Minimalism of Ruwen Ogien: Ethics Without Paternalism