Jarrett Zigon, "How Is It Between Us?: Relational Ethics and Care for the World" (HAU Books, 2023)
New Books in Critical Theory
Deep Dive
Why did Jarrett Zigon initially become interested in ethics?
Zigon's interest in ethics began as an undergraduate, influenced by existentialist literature, particularly Dostoevsky's works, which raised questions about existence and ethics. This led him to think about ethics as a way of living well with others rather than just a set of rules or principles.
What is the central theme of Jarrett Zigon's book 'How Is It Between Us?'?
The book develops a theory of relational ethics that extends beyond human interactions to include all existents. It addresses contemporary ethical concerns such as post-truth conditions, algorithmic worlds, competing calls for justice, and the climate crisis.
How does Jarrett Zigon define ethics in his work?
Zigon defines ethics as a way of living well with others, emphasizing relationality and situatedness. He rejects the idea of ethics as a set of principles or rules, instead focusing on how individuals engage with the world and each other.
What is the concept of 'moral breakdown' in Jarrett Zigon's work?
Moral breakdown refers to moments in everyday life when individuals must stop and reflect on their actions because something feels ethically uncertain. This concept highlights the contrast between routine moral behavior and moments of ethical reflection.
Why does Jarrett Zigon argue that traditional ethical theories like virtue theory, deontology, and consequentialism are inadequate?
Zigon believes these traditional theories are based on a substance ontology that assumes pre-existing entities. In contrast, the contemporary world reveals the relationality of all existence, making these theories inadequate for addressing modern ethical challenges.
What is the significance of 'attunement' in Zigon's relational ethics?
Attunement refers to an engaged relationality that allows individuals to respond to the unfolding of relationality in their lives. It involves a kind of active, yet often non-conscious, involvement in the relational process, especially during moments of breakdown or reflection.
How does Jarrett Zigon view the concept of 'truth' in the post-truth era?
Zigon argues that truth is not about facts but about an unfolding process of revelation. In the post-truth era, where facts are contested, he emphasizes the importance of thinking over truth, suggesting that thinking is a relational process that allows for continuous engagement with the world.
What does Jarrett Zigon mean by 'moral assemblages'?
Moral assemblages refer to the complex and ever-changing moral landscape that includes institutional moralities, public discourses of morality, and individual embodied moralities. These assemblages are constantly shifting due to the interactions and differences of those involved.
How does Zigon propose we understand justice in a complex, ever-changing world?
Zigon suggests that justice should be seen as an ongoing attunement to the constellation of differences within a moral assemblage. It is not about achieving a fixed end but about continuously responding to the multitude of others in a way that respects their singularity and difference.
What is Jarrett Zigon's perspective on the relationship between humans and non-human entities in the context of ethics?
Zigon argues that we should view non-human entities, including animals, geological formations, and climate, as ethical beings with whom we have relational interactions. This perspective challenges the traditional human-centered approach to ethics and calls for a more inclusive relational ethics.
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