Authentic responsibility: Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics places responsibility at the core of human excellence

Responsibility, as a concept, has been lauded as a cornerstone of ethical and moral behaviour throughout history. Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics places responsibility at the core of human excellence, advocating that virtuous actions stem from a well-cultivated character. This ancient perspective laid the groundwork for centuries of philosophical exploration into the nature of responsibility, shaping how societies understand and implement this critical concept. However, a closer examination of contemporary society reveals a troubling trend: many individuals and institutions display a willful ignorance or disregard for their collective responsibilities.

Dale Carnegie’s principles in “How to Win Friends and Influence People” emphasize the importance of sincerity and authenticity in building trust and influence (Carnegie, 1936). In the context of responsibility, this means acting with integrity and accountability, not just when it is advantageous but consistently.

In the realm of environmental responsibility, the global response to climate change serves as a poignant example. Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on human-driven climate change, as reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), significant inaction persists. This inaction can often be attributed to economic interests and political reluctance, as evidenced by the continued subsidization of fossil fuels and resistance to regulatory measures (IPCC, 2021). This systemic disregard underscores a collective failure to embrace environmental responsibility, driven by short-term gains over long-term sustainability.

Similarly, social inequality remains a persistent issue, with systemic injustices continuing to plague societies worldwide. The Black Lives Matter movement, which gained global traction following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, highlights the deep-rooted racial inequalities and the societal complicity in maintaining these structures. Sociologist Robin DiAngelo's work on white fragility illustrates how privileged groups often remain passive or indifferent to these issues, thereby perpetuating the status quo (DiAngelo, 2018). This passivity is not mere ignorance but a willful disregard for the responsibility to address and dismantle systemic injustice.

Corporate behavior further exemplifies the neglect of collective responsibility. The Volkswagen emissions scandal, where the company deliberately installed software to cheat emissions tests, showcases how corporations can prioritize profit over ethical practices. This scandal resulted in significant environmental harm and public health risks, illustrating the broader societal impact of corporate irresponsibility (Ewing, 2017). Such actions are not isolated but reflect a systemic issue where ethical responsibility is often sacrificed for financial gain.

Understanding the concept of false responsibility is crucial in this context. False responsibility arises when societal norms impose a sense of duty that is not aligned with genuine ethical obligations. This performative responsibility is often driven by the desire to appear compliant with social expectations rather than a true commitment to ethical behavior. For instance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives often serve more as public relations tools than genuine efforts to address social and environmental issues. A study by Rangan, Chase, and Karim found that many CSR programs are more about managing public perceptions than effecting real change (Rangan et al., 2015).

To address these issues, it is essential to foster a deeper understanding of what authentic responsibility entails.

Authentic responsibility requires genuine engagement and a commitment to ethical behaviour, even when it is inconvenient or costly.

Education plays a pivotal role in cultivating authentic responsibility. Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset underscores the importance of fostering a mindset that values effort and resilience, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their learning and development (Dweck, 2006). However, this must be supported by systemic changes that provide equitable access to resources and opportunities. Without such support, the burden of responsibility can become overwhelming and lead to disillusionment and disengagement.

Responsibility is a critical concept celebrated throughout history, however, its application in contemporary society often falls short. Many individuals and institutions display a willful ignorance or disregard for their collective responsibilities, driven by economic interests, social norms, and systemic biases. To foster authentic responsibility, it is essential to promote genuine engagement and ethical behaviour, supported by systemic changes that create an enabling environment for all. This nuanced understanding can help address the complexities and limitations of responsibility, moving society towards greater accountability and integrity.

References

- Aristotle. *Nicomachean Ethics*.

- IPCC. (2021). *Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis*.

- DiAngelo, R. (2018). *White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism*.

- Ewing, J. (2017). *Faster, Higher, Farther: The Inside Story of the Volkswagen Scandal*.

- Rangan, K., Chase, L., & Karim, S. (2015). "The Truth About CSR." *Harvard Business Review*.

- Carnegie, D. (1936). *How to Win Friends and Influence People*.

- Dweck, C. S. (2006). *Mindset: The New Psychology of Success*.