We’re facing some pretty big problems these days. And whether they’re things like climate change, racism or poverty, these problems are all bigger than we are as individuals. So big, in fact, it can be tempting to give up responsibility for social change altogether. Today’s guest, the philosopher Robin Zheng, says that’s a mistake. She’s come up with a way of thinking about social responsibility called the Role Ideal Model. It’s a fascinating theory about the relationship between individual responsibility and structural injustice.

Contact us at examiningethics@gmail.com.

Follow us on Twitter @ExaminingEthics. Follow us on Instagram @examiningethicspodcast. You can also find us on Facebook.

Click here for the episode’s transcript!

Show Notes:

• Robin Zheng
  • “What Is My Role in Changing the System? A New Model of Responsibility for Structural Injustice”
  • Robin Zheng was also on our second episode. We’ve made some improvements to the podcast since those early days, but her interview is still great!
• Sally Haslanger’s example of structural injustice
• Iris Marion Young, Responsibility for Justice
• Social roles
• Responsibility
• Episode 33: Identity Matters: Standpoint Epistemology with Briana Toole

Thanks to Evelyn Brosius for our logo. Featured image is in the public domain and was taken by U.S. Navy Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Johansen Laurel.

1. 1. “Zeppelin” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From sessions.blue
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   2. “Hickory Interlude” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From sessions.blue
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   3. “Thannoid” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From sessions.blue
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   4. “Floating Whist” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From sessions.blue
      CC BY-NC 4.0

To contact us, email examiningethics@gmail.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS