The Moral Significance of Collective Entities 1

Abstract

The claim is that some collective entities can be thought of as part of the moral realm by virtue of their status as objects of moral concern. The question addressed in this chapter is whether collectivities can be thought to be part of the moral realm. The answer returned is affirmative. The chapter attempts to render the question more precise and indicate the different grounds on which an affirmative answer might be given. It makes clear how the idea of a collective entity is to be understood in this context, explains what sort of irreducibility attaches to collectivities, and provides some of the considerations for allowing moral significance to them. The chapter offers critical reflections on some recent attempts to populate the moral realm exclusively with individuals. In concluding, it indicates why some important consequences may follow from admitting collectivities to the moral realm.