Giving an Account of Oneself

Synopsis

What does it mean to lead a moral life?
In her first extended study of moral philosophy, Judith Butler offers a provocative outline for a new ethical practice-one responsive to the need for critical autonomy and grounded in a new sense of the human subject.
Butler takes as her starting point one's ability to answer the questions "What have I done?" and "What ought I to do?" She shows that these question can be answered only by asking a prior question, "Who is this 'I' who is under an obligation to give an account of itself and to act in certain ways?" Because I find that I cannot give an account of myself without accounting for the social conditions under which I emerge, ethical reflection requires a turn to social theory.
In three powerfully crafted and lucidly written chapters, Butler demonstrates how difficult it is to give an account of oneself, and how this lack of self-transparency and narratibility is crucial to an ethical understanding of the human. In brilliant dialogue with Adorno, Levinas, Foucault, and other thinkers, she eloquently argues the limits, possibilities, and dangers of contemporary ethical thought.
Butler offers a critique of the moral self, arguing that the transparent, rational, and continuous ethical subject is an impossible construct that seeks to deny the specificity of what it is to be human. We can know ourselves only incompletely, and only in relation to a broader social world that has always preceded us and already shaped us in ways we cannot grasp. If inevitably we are partially opaque to ourselves, how can giving an account of ourselves define the ethical act? And doesn't an ethical system that holds us impossibly accountable for full self-knowledge and self-consistency inflict a kind of psychic violence, leading to a culture of self-beratement and cruelty? How does the turn to social theory offer us a chance to understand the specifically social character of our own unknowingness about ourselves?
In this invaluable book, by recasting ethics as a project in which being ethical means becoming critical of norms under which we are asked to act, but which we can never fully choose, Butler illuminates what it means for us as "fallible creatures" to create and share an ethics of vulnerability, humility, and ethical responsiveness.

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of Truthfulness

Summary:
This chapter highlights the fundamental importance of truthfulness in all aspects of life. It discusses the moral and ethical implications of dishonesty and the negative consequences of lying, both on individuals and society as a whole.

Real Example:
In the corporate world, a financial executive who falsifies financial records to make the company appear more profitable than it is may ultimately damage investor confidence and harm the company's reputation and financial stability.

Chapter 2: The Nature of Self-Deception

Summary:
This chapter explores the concept of self-deception, where individuals intentionally or unintentionally blind themselves to the truth about themselves or their actions. It explains the mechanisms behind self-deception and its damaging effects on personal growth and relationships.

Real Example:
A politician who knows they have engaged in unethical behavior but convinces themselves they are doing it for the greater good is engaging in self-deception. This can lead to a loss of integrity and a diminished capacity for genuine self-reflection.

Chapter 3: Responsibility and Blame

Summary:
This chapter discusses the relationship between responsibility and blame in the context of dishonesty. It explores the different levels of responsibility that individuals may have for their actions and the importance of holding people accountable while also recognizing the role of mitigating factors.

Real Example:
In a legal case, a person who commits a crime under duress may have some reduced responsibility for their actions, but they are not absolved of all blame. The court must weigh the mitigating factor of duress against the severity of the crime.

Chapter 4: The Path to Honesty

Summary:
This chapter focuses on practical steps that individuals can take to develop honesty in their lives. It explores the importance of self-awareness, recognizing the triggers for dishonesty, and cultivating virtues such as courage and integrity.

Real Example:
A person who struggles with procrastination may realize that their dishonesty with themselves about their workload is a major obstacle to their success. By developing strategies to address their fear of failure and cultivate self-discipline, they can break the cycle of procrastination and live more honestly.

Chapter 5: The Consequences of Dishonesty

Summary:
This chapter examines the potential consequences of dishonesty, ranging from minor interpersonal conflicts to major legal and social problems. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential harm that can result from lying or deceiving others.

Real Example:
A university student who plagiarizes an assignment may face academic penalties and damage their reputation in the eyes of their professors and peers. This can have long-term consequences for their career and relationships.