| ID | 089258 |
| Title Proper | Is constructivist ethics an oxymoron? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Hoffmann, Matthew J |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Constructivism is often invoked in calls for a turn toward ethics in the practice of International Relations scholarship. Yet, while constructivists rely on norms and ethical ideas in their explanations of world politics, the theory or approach actually fails spectacularly in providing fundamental notions about what is right or ethical in world politics. In this article I interrogate the paradox that, while constructivists provide a prominent place for morals and ethics in their explanations of world politics, constructivism is agnostic on what those morals and ethics should be. I then inquire into the source of ethics in international relations theory more generally, arguing that the ethical commitments of international relations theories are found in the theories' basic assumptions. Finding a fundamental qualitative difference between constructivism and other international relations theories relative to core assumptions, I discuss what constructivist ethics consists of and I turn inward to reflect on the ramifications of the discussion for personal ethics for a constructivist |
| `In' analytical Note | International Studies Review Vol. 11, No. 2; 231-252 |
| Journal Source | International Studies Review Vol. 11, No. 2; 231-252 |
| Key Words | Constructivist Ethics ; Oxymoron ; International Relation Theory |