COP20's Ethical Fallout: The Perils of Principles Without Dialogue

Abstract

I argue that mechanisms currently embedded in the Paris negotiations Elements Text could elicit a structured process of moral dialogue. These mechanisms go beyond inviting Parties to cloak their intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) in specious moral garb; the mechanisms envisage a principled review of, and dialogic reflection on, the fairness and ambition of Parties' INDCs. These mechanisms could thus propel moral dialogue (similar to Rawls' public reason), leading to constructive shifts in Parties' perspectives and commitments. The drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides an illustrative example, where moral dialogue weeded out bad faith and parochial demands.