A CONFUCIAN ROLE ETHICS APPROACH TO THE TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS

Abstract

This thesis defends a Confucian Role Ethics (CRE) approach to the Tragedy of the Commons (TOC). While technical and legislative approaches are necessary, a more comprehensive and enduring solution would require addressing the TOC as a moral problem. Instead of operating with Hardin’s assumed conception of rationality, CRE corrects it by offering a moral resource through our relational identity. I discuss the Libertarian solution, which deploys mainly technical and legislative means to solve the TOC. I critique that its focus on efficient outcomes neglects the quality of the interaction and relations among members. Thus, I construct a CRE approach, which while taking into account technical and legislative insights, centers on the need for moral cultivation. The CRE solution aims to cultivate people to realise and fulfil their relational responsibilities, engendering a human community marked by mutual concern and commitment, rather than one that is bound by transactional ties of mutual advantage and coercion.