Corinna Mieth

Bio: Corinna Mieth is an academic researcher from Ruhr University Bochum. The author has contributed to research in topics: Human rights & Dignity. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 16 publications receiving 1586 citations. Previous affiliations of Corinna Mieth include University of Bonn.

Groundwork for the metaphysics of morals

Abstract: Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals from 1785 is one of the most important and influential texts in the whole history of philosophy.Its central purpose is to develop the categorical imperative. The present collected volume contains papers on central theoretical aspects. Key Features: Contributions from leading international authorities in Kant research A reflection of the current state of research together with new aspects

World Poverty as a Problem of Justice? A Critical Comparison of Three Approaches

Abstract: With regard to the problem of world poverty, libertarian theories of corrective justice emphasize negative duties and the idea of responsibility whereas utilitarian theories of help concentrate on positive duties based on the capacity of the helper. Thomas Pogge has developed a revised model of compensation that entails positive obligations that are generated by negative duties. He intends to show that the affluent are violating their negative duties to ensure that their conduct will not harm others: They are contributing to and profiting from an unjust global order. But the claim that negative duty generated positive obligations are more acceptable than positive duties is contestable. I examine whether Henry Shue’s model that is integrating negative duties and positive duties is more convincing concerning the foundation of positive duties to protect others. I defend the idea that there are positive duties of justice. This approach can integrate an allocation of positive duties via responsibility and maintain the advantage of an independent foundation of positive duties.

The Double Foundation of Human Rights in Human Nature

Abstract: In this paper I want to have a closer look at the connections between human rights, human dignity and human nature. I will hold that there are two aspects of human dignity that are simultaneously two aspects of human nature. One aspect concerns the normative, moral status of persons that is connected with their ability to act morally. The other aspect concerns the empirical status of persons that is connected with their neediness and vulnerability. It is this second aspect that leads us to determine the substances of human rights. There are some goods that are indispensible for a decent life. These goods should be protected by human rights. But the second aspect is connected to the first: The recognition of all other human beings as equal moral persons (of their equal moral status, of their dignity) is the foundation of the recognition of their human rights. I will develop the idea that human rights are founded in two aspects of human dignity by using the example of extreme poverty as a violation of human dignity and as a violation of human rights.

The Problem with NatureOur Posthuman Future: Consequences of the Biotechnology Revolution

Abstract: The dramatic advances in DNA technology over the last few years are the stuff of science fiction. It is now not only possible to clone human beings it is happening. For the first time since the creation of the earth four billion years ago, or the emergence of mankind 10 million years ago, people will be able to choose their children's' sex, height, colour, personality traits and intelligence. It will even be possible to create 'superhumans' by mixing human genes with those of other animals for extra strength or longevity. But is this desirable? What are the moral and political consequences? Will it mean anything to talk about 'human nature' any more? Is this the end of human beings? Post Human Society is a passionate analysis of the greatest political and moral problem ever to face the human race.

Who Displays Ethical Leadership, and Why Does It Matter? An Examination of Antecedents and Consequences of Ethical Leadership

Abstract: Drawing on social learning and moral identity theories, this research examines antecedents and consequences of ethical leadership. Additionally, this research empirically examines the distinctivene...

Morals and Markets

Abstract: The possibility that market interaction may erode moral values is a long-standing, but controversial, hypothesis in the social sciences, ethics, and philosophy. To date, empirical evidence on decay of moral values through market interaction has been scarce. We present controlled experimental evidence on how market interaction changes how human subjects value harm and damage done to third parties. In the experiment, subjects decide between either saving the life of a mouse or receiving money. We compare individual decisions to those made in a bilateral and a multilateral market. In both markets, the willingness to kill the mouse is substantially higher than in individual decisions. Furthermore, in the multilateral market, prices for life deteriorate tremendously. In contrast, for morally neutral consumption choices, differences between institutions are small.

Making sense by making sentient: Effectance motivation increases anthropomorphism.

Abstract: People commonly anthropomorphize nonhuman agents, imbuing everything from computers to pets to gods with humanlike capacities and mental experiences. Although widely observed, the determinants of anthropomorphism are poorly understood and rarely investigated. We propose that people anthropomorphize, in part, to satisfy effectance motivation—the basic and chronic motivation to attain mastery of one’s environment. Five studies demonstrated that increasing effectance motivation by manipulating the perceived unpredictability of a nonhuman agent or by increasing the incentives for mastery increases anthropomorphism. Neuroimaging data demonstrated that the neural correlates of this process are similar to those engaged when mentalizing other humans. A final study demonstrated that anthropomorphizing a stimulus makes it appear more predictable and understandable, suggesting that anthropomorphism satisfies effectance motivation. Anthropomorphizing nonhuman agents seems to satisfy the basic motivation to make sense of an otherwise uncertain environment.