Foreigner as a priviledged moral agent

Abstract

In this paper I examine the moral experience of an agent who remains outside the network of close relationships. I analyze two rules of moral independence that might indicate that the agent is morally privileged in such situations. According to the first, an agent outside the relational network avoids the risks associated with identification with a social role. According to the second, the actions taken by the agent are characterized by a higher degree of selflessness and, therefore, have higher moral value. I argue that these rules can only have a prima facie nature and are constrained by many factors. I also show that the privileged position of the moral agent in the foreigner's situation is counterbalanced by difficulties in moral action in the areas of promises, blaming, shared responsibility and care giving.