Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Current conceptions of special responsibilities often adopt a narrow, individualistic lens that fails to consider the broader socio-relational context. In response to this gap, we propose a concept of relational responsibility that emphasises the interconnectedness of individuals and the wider societal context in which they exist. We posit that assigning relational responsibilities should not solely hinge on the voluntary nature of one’s relationships, but rather on the intrinsic value of these connections, as determined by individuals who hold pertinent roles within those relationships or who would be impacted by the definition of value. Our account acknowledges that many responsibilities, especially in caregiving contexts, are not chosen freely, and there should be normative limits to protect individuals from unreasonable burdens. Recognising the role of structural conditions in shaping responsibilities, we argue that collectives with the capacity and resources have an obligation to support individuals by mitigating these burdens and creating just conditions for care. This relational and structural reframing offers a more ethically attuned and practically responsive understanding of responsibility.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s41649-025-00379-9

Type

Journal article

Journal

Asian Bioethics Review

Publication Date

01/01/2025