Hans Jonas
Builds an ethics for the age of technology: we must answer for the existence of future humans.
Life
German philosopher (Mönchengladbach 1903 - New Rochelle 1993), a student of Heidegger and Bultmann, who went into exile in 1933 and later taught at the New School for Social Research. He wrote on Gnosticism, then on the philosophy of biology. His Imperative of Responsibility (1979) grounds an ethics for the technological age, directed toward future generations.
Main works
Proposes an ethics of responsibility for the future existence of humanity in the face of the powers of technology.
A study of ancient Gnosticism as the expression of a worldview.
Seeks in the living organism the foundations of a philosophy of life and mind.
In his own words
« Act so that the effects of your action are compatible with the permanence of genuine human life on Earth. »
Handle so, dass die Wirkungen deiner Handlung verträglich sind mit der Permanenz echten menschlichen Lebens auf Erden.
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceAfter Auschwitz he imagines a God who gave up power and suffers with the world, leaving humans responsible.
Jonas, "The Concept of God after Auschwitz" (1987)
Mind grows out of organic life: he rejects both dualism and reductive materialism.
Jonas, The Phenomenon of Life (1966)
Ethics must rest on responsibility: act so that the effects of your action are compatible with the permanence of genuine human life.
Jonas, Das Prinzip Verantwortung (1979)
Values are grounded in being itself: life is a purpose in nature, which gives a real duty to preserve it.
Jonas, Das Prinzip Verantwortung (1979)