A Psychoanalytic Foundation for Modern Ethics

Abstract

It is argued that the contemporary psychoanalytic concept of the self provides a foundation for a modern ethic. The self is founded on the empathic recognition by the other who is seen as a subject in her own right. Therefore, the authentic self that realizes its potential is inherently empathic. But those who do not grow up in an empathic environment do not develop the capacity for empathy toward others or themselves and are likely to commit unethical acts. It is argued that the causation is also reversed. Those who commit unethical acts inflict damage upon the self, just as damaged selves are likely to become unethical. The need to disavow the ethical transgression leads to splitting and a weakened self. Without the experience of being empathized with by an other seen as a subject, the subjectivity of the self is arrested and becomes objectified. So, the foundation of ethics for the Western World may be found in the very sense of self. This may be called an ethic of inclination, as opposed to an ethic of imposition. The self who is free to pursue its authentic desires and goals will be ethical in pursuit of its destiny. In this ethic, the other’s subjectivity is recognized and appreciated for what it is even if the other is an opponent or enemy. The source of ethical behavior is self-realization.