Perhaps Ogien’s most controversial claim is the denial of "duties to oneself." Traditional ethics, from Kantianism to Aristotelian virtue ethics, often suggests we have a moral obligation to develop our talents, preserve our health, or maintain our dignity.
Ogien argues that the concept of a "duty to oneself" is a logical contradiction. A duty implies a relationship between two parties: one who owes and one who is owed. If the debtor and the creditor are the same person, the obligation becomes meaningless, as the individual can always grant themselves a "pardon" or exemption. By removing duties to oneself from the moral equation, Ogien liberates the private sphere from moral judgment, leaving it instead to the realm of personal preference and aesthetics. Neutrality and Pluralism Download Ruwen Ogien philosophie morale epub
Instead, ethics should focus on a "minimal" set of rules that allow people with vastly different values to coexist. This involves: for everyone's interests. Neutrality regarding private lifestyles. The prioritisation of justice over virtue. Conclusion: A Tool for Freedom Perhaps Ogien’s most controversial claim is the denial
of L'Influence de l'odeur des croissants chauds sur la bonté humaine . If the debtor and the creditor are the
This stance leads to a significant conclusion: there are no "crimes without victims." If an action—such as drug use, voluntary euthanasia, or unconventional sexual practices—involves only consenting adults and does not infringe upon the rights of a third party, it cannot be considered morally wrong within a minimalist framework. The Rejection of Duties to Oneself
of minimalist ethics from "maximalist" perspectives.
The foundation of Ogien's thought is the "harm principle," famously articulated by John Stuart Mill but refined by Ogien for a contemporary context. This principle suggests that the only legitimate reason for moral or legal interference in an individual's life is to prevent harm to others. For Ogien, "harm" must be concrete and objective. Vague notions of "moral offense," "sin," or "indecency" do not constitute harm.