Ethical Life (Sittlichkeit)

Ethical Life, or Sittlichkeit, refers to the idea that morality is inherently linked to social practices and institutions, rather than just individual actions or intentions. It emphasizes how ethics arise from the customs, traditions, and values of a community. In this view, our moral responsibilities are shaped by our roles within family, society, and culture, promoting a collective understanding of right and wrong. Sittlichkeit highlights the importance of living ethically within the context of social relationships, suggesting that true morality is realized through engagement and participation in the ethical life of a community.