Zustandswunsch

Zustandswunsch is a concept that arises in discussions of ethics, particularly in deontological and consequentialist frameworks. It refers to a desire or preference for a particular state of affairs to exist, independent of whether one is the agent who brings it about or directly benefits from it. This contrasts with a more agent-centered desire, where one might wish for a particular outcome because it is good for oneself or because one is the one causing it.

The idea of a Zustandswunsch suggests that there can be a moral or prudential reason to favor certain states of the world over others, even if one has no personal involvement in their realization. For example, one might have a Zustandswunsch for a world free from suffering, even if they are not actively working to alleviate it or are incapable of doing so. This concept can be used to analyze obligations to others and to the world at large. It can also play a role in understanding altruism and the motivation behind actions that aim to improve the general welfare. The philosophical implications of Zustandswunsch are explored in various ethical theories, examining how such desires should be weighed against other moral considerations and personal interests.