proportionalism
1
9.5
- noun
- /prəˈpɔrʧənəlˌɪzəm/
- Formal
- In moral philosophy, proportionalism argues that the consequences of an action must be weighed to determine its ethical value.
Examples
-
Many ethicists believe that proportionalism requires a nuanced understanding of circumstances before making moral judgments.
-
The principle of individual merit without regard to inherited status has been challenged by the idea of proportionalism in accordance with birth and group origin.
Academic text (1990) -
Proportionalism and not majorities govern the allocation of budgets and power.
Academic text (1996) -
One of the more significant Catholic moral theologians of the 20th century, McCormick is remembered by many for his contribution to the debate on proportionalism.
Academic text (2008) -
In Catholic circles, the focus is seen in the vigorous debate over "proportionalism," which culminated in Pope John Paul II's encyclical Veritatis splendor (1993).
Academic text (2009) -
The debate surrounding proportionalism emphasizes that penalties should fit the severity of the offense committed.
Surface Forms
Morphology
proportionalism = proportional (transparent) = proportion + al + ism
A straightforward doctrinal nominalization: the adjective 'proportional' plus '-ism' yields a theory or principle of proportionality.
Etymology
Proportionalism comes from the word proportion, itself made of pro- and portion, where portion means 'part' or 'share'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of cutting a cake into fair 'portions': proportionalism says the action or punishment should 'match' the size of the problem, so the response is balanced and appropriate.