Other-Regardingness

Other-regardingness concerns acts and virtues focused on benefiting other people rather than oneself. In its most narrow formulation, other-regardingness primarily means not harming other people (nonmaleficence). Its wider formulations also require the agent to consider, and be accountable for, the various positive and negative impacts of his [Page 2569]or her actions on others. Its application varies in that many ethical frameworks require giving equal weight to the interests of all people affected by one’s actions, while other versions will give priority to particular others, such as family, friends, or fellow citizens. Other-regardingness is a key component of common morality and major ethical theories, such as deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue.

Besides concern for the actions that impact others, other-regardingness can also refer to traits of character. Some ...