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Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.21464/sp37109

Normative Ambiguity Facing Those Who Flee Death during Times of War and Pandemic and Who Eventually Return Home

Rory J. Conces orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-8364-3903 ; University of Nebraska at Omaha, Department of Philosophy, 317 S. 27th Ave. Apt. 8, US–68131, Omaha, Nebraska


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Abstract

We dwell in a world of physical things. When it comes to the environments that we live in, we usually become oriented to the place, and eventually feel at home in it. Facing death during war and pandemic are times of extreme disorientation, and we sometimes exhibit an impulse to flee. It is no wonder that in those desperate times, some with means and ability consider fleeing to a safer place. But are we morally obliged to act in ways that would ask us to sacrifice our deepest personal commitments and projects for others to meet their commitments and projects? It is argued here that fleeing Bosnia and Herzegovina during wartime, like what happened in the 90s, and fleeing a city during a pandemic may be morally decent actions. However, it is also an issue of political decency and fractured friendships. In cases or war and pandemic, returning home to contribute to the well-being of those they left behind may be morally and politically decent, but the fractured friendships may contribute to normative ambiguity. Why would anyone trust them again and regard them as a loyal friend? Perhaps reestablishing those trusting friendships may require those who remained behind to do what is supererogatory, i.e., doing more than can reasonably be asked of them, which in this case amounts to forgiving those who fled and giving them a second chance by welcoming them back home.

Keywords

normative ambiguity; caring; decency; orientation; disorientation; fleeing; war; pandemic

Hrčak ID:

285072

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/285072

Publication date:

30.8.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian german french

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