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The Responsible Self: An Essay in Christian Moral Philosophy (Library of Theological Ethics)

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H. Richard Niebuhr's The Responsible Self is a classic in Christian ethics. Niebuhr argues that humans are neither simply 'goal seeking' creatures nor simply 'rule-following' creatures, but are 'responsive' and hence, responsible. We are 'answerers' who must first ask "What is going on here?" and then respond to that assessment with a 'fitting' answer. The importance of this short and readable work should not be underestimated. Niebuhr's approach spawned an interest in perspective and vision in ethics that is carried on by contemporary thinkers such as James Gustafson and Stanley Hauerwas.

One of the 20th century's great theologians, Dr. Niebuhr probes deep to find the roots and fundamental character of man's moral life. He finds the key in the concept of responsibility, which implies not only the freedom and flexibility of "responsiveness" to others but also a guiding ideal of unlimited concern that goes beyond vague norms and narrow codes. Reaching out beyond sterile formalisms and harsh legalisms, he discusses brilliantly: 1) the meaning of responsibility, 2) responsibility in society, 3) the responsible self in time and history, 4) responsibility in absolute dependence, 5) responsibility in sin and salvation. Based on lectures at Glasgow University, this is the most central and enduring of all Niebuhr's books, revealing the untiring integrity and dedication to truth which were typical of all his life and work.

Niebuhr's examination of "The Responsible Self" offers a new way to look at ethics. He does not propose that we ignore the historical ways of viewing ethics (ie. virtue) but he shows where they fail to explore all of the relationships involved. Niebuhr uses the term "responsibility" in a creative and inventive way. I wasn't convinced, but I was certainly challenged