Habermas' "Species ethics", and the limits of "Formal anthropology"

Abstract

This article seeks to defend two claims: First, that universalist ethics in Habermas and Rawls cannot function without some recourse to the good Life, or human well-being. Second, that such ethical reflection must involve formal anthropological considerations. In other words, it must involve a consideration of the good that also encompasses reflection on what we are as humans. As an example, the paper draws on Habermas' recent thoughts on "species- ethics". I will argue that "species ethics" needs to be substantiated and expanded with the help of an "anthropology of recognition". © Equinox Publishing Ltd 2011.