Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

College

Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary

Program

Religion, Theological Studies PhD

First Advisor

Thomas Shepherd

Second Advisor

Martin Hanna

Third Advisor

Ante Jerončić

Abstract

Problem

Enrique Dussel's ethics proposes addressing global inequality through legitimate coercion as a means of liberating the poor, contrasting it with the violence of the current system. However, the inclusion of life-threatening acts, such as armed revolution, as coercion raises practical challenges for the Christian community, including ethical-political dialogue, inclusion of opposing parties, and potential dehumanization, which need further exploration in light of Dussel’s use of Scripture in support of his proposals.

Purpose

This dissertation aims to assess Dussel's philosophical principles and their connection to coercion and violence, ultimately establishing a framework for a conservative Christian proposal that combines the strengths of Dussel's system with a biblical perspective on the use of force.

Significance

This study is significant as it examines the internal consistency of Dussel's ethical system in relation to his use of coercion and violence, which has been overlooked in previous research. It aims to evaluate the practicality and relevance of Dussel's ethical proposal, particularly its affirmation life-threatening acts, like armed revolution, as coercion, within the context of his use of Scripture in support of his pursuit of social justice.

Delimitations

The focus of this research will be limited to the issue of life-threatening acts in relation to Dussel's foundational principles, primarily examining his main text, "Ethics of Liberation: In the Age of Globalization and Exclusion." Additional relevant information from Dussel's other publications and philosophical works will be included as necessary. The primary biblical text for analysis will be Matthew 20:25-28, with other Gospel passages used to enhance the understanding and support the proposed alternative to Dussel's ethical theory.

Methodology

This research will employ Dussel's Liberation Ethics to analyze and clarify the connection between his foundational principles and his support of excessive force, providing a logical evaluation of this relationship. The first chapter provides an overview of the influences shaping Dussel's ethical system and frames of reference for his inclusion of life-threatening acts in his view of coercion. The second chapter explores Dussel's ethical goal, foundational principles, and understanding of force, while the third chapter evaluates his affirmation in the context of socio-political views. The fourth chapter presents a personal community ethic that expands on Dussel's proposal, rejecting the use of excessive force. Finally, the fifth chapter concludes the study and suggests avenues for further research.

Conclusions

This investigation delved into Dussel's personal and philosophical background, highlighting how his upbringing and exposure to revolutionary movements shaped his ethical theory, while also examining the motivations behind his definitions of coercion and violence. Dussel's three foundational principles (material, formal, and feasible) are presented as the basis for liberating victims of the dominating system, aiming for a more just distribution of justice, with emphasis on his significant contribution of a material anthropology of solidarity and ethical responsibility. Dussel's affirmation of life-threatening acts (i.e., armed revolution), as it currently stands in his discourse, undermines intersubjective dialogue and raises concerns about consensual praxis. Ultimately, it creates a contradiction between Dussel’s material and formal principles either at the historical inception of the practical system or at the moment it handles opposition and non-compliant people. An alternative proposal is offered at the end of this investigation, combining Dussel's formal and feasibility criteria with a material principle that does not rely on life-threatening acts. It suggests an epistemology of faith, servant leadership, and the establishment of a like-minded community committed to faithfulness, drawing on Jesus' sacrifice and worldview.

Subject Area

Dussell, Enrique; Christian ethics; Violence--Moral and ethical aspects; Philosophy of liberation

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