ABSTRACT

The moral principle of total responsibility for the preservation of humankind seems to be self-evidently valid. However, the scientific and philosophical justification of such a principle, which Professor Jonas attempts, is not. The 'solution' lies in the generation of a 'faith' in the future of humankind. This chapter discusses three groups of problems Jonas deals with: the dichotomy of fact and value; the biological roots of responsibility for others and for the future of humankind, especially the parent-child relationship; and Jonas' critique of what he calls the Marxist utopia. The striving for the ideals of progress and liberation requires the ever-increasing use of science, technology, and industrialization; these endeavors, however, endanger humankind because they have severed the solidarity between the human and the nonhuman organic world. Jonas then turns to the question whether Marxism or capitalism is better equipped to meet these dangers.