“We uploaded all our published books and asked two questions”

Question 2: How do these ideas contribute positively to debates in philosophy?

(Question 1 in past newsletters, read this series here)

The ideas presented in Etsko Schuitema’s works make a profound and constructive contribution to several ongoing debates in philosophy.

Their relevance lies in bridging practical application with deep metaphysical, ethical, and existential concerns. Here’s how they enhance key philosophical debates:

Here are the primary resonances (points 1-4 of 12):

1. The Nature of Authenticity

• Debate: Philosophers like Heidegger and Sartre have grappled with what it means to live authentically in the face of societal and existential pressures.
• Contribution: Schuitema’s focus on aligning intent with attention provides a clear framework for authenticity. By emphasizing that one’s life is meaningful when rooted in benevolent giving, the texts offer practical tools for achieving authenticity, moving the debate beyond abstract theorizing into actionable guidance.

2. The Ethics of Altruism and Self-Interest

• Debate: Philosophical tensions between self-interest (as seen in Hobbesian or utilitarian frameworks) and altruism (as in Kant or Levinas) often lead to polarizing conclusions.
• Contribution: Schuitema synthesizes these tensions by suggesting that giving (altruism) is not at odds with personal growth but is, in fact, the most fulfilling form of human development. His work provides a middle ground that resonates with care ethics, arguing that leadership and personal excellence are rooted in serving others rather than dominating or exploiting them.

3. The Role of Virtue in Modern Ethics

• Debate: Virtue ethics, revived by thinkers like Alasdair MacIntyre, critiques the modern loss of character-oriented ethics in favor of rule-based or outcome-driven approaches.
• Contribution: Schuitema’s focus on virtues such as generosity, patience, and courage echoes Aristotelian ethics, but he modernizes these ideas within leadership and organizational contexts. This application demonstrates how virtue ethics can inform contemporary debates about workplace dynamics, governance, and personal growth.

4. The Question of Universal Ethics

• Debate: Can ethics transcend cultural and religious boundaries to provide a universal framework?
• Contribution: Schuitema’s themes of intent and attention, rooted in the universality of giving and interconnectedness, offer an ethical model that transcends specific cultural or religious contexts. His use of Sufi metaphysics, combined with universal principles of generosity and growth, suggests an integrative ethics that aligns with global human concerns.