becomeshould

Becomeshould is a term used in ethical and philosophical discussions to describe an approach that prioritizes becoming a particular kind of person as the central aim of action, rather than focusing solely on immediate outcomes. The blend of "become" and "should" signals that normative guidance is tied to identity and long-term character.

Origins and usage: Becomeshould appears in online essays, ethics blogs, and contemporary philosophy discussions from the early 2020s onward. It has no formal scholarly standard, and its meaning varies by author. Some readings emphasize moral identity and virtue, others apply the idea to organizations or AI alignment by judging actions by their contribution to a desired future state.

Definitions and interpretations: One reading treats becomeshould as a personal-development framework—actions are judged by their capacity to cultivate virtues and a stable character. A second reading treats it as a policy or design principle—prefer options that increase the likelihood of an agent or institution embodying certain values, even if short-term benefits are modest.

Relation to theory: It intersects with virtue ethics and identity-based ethics, contrasting with deontological or utilitarian frameworks that focus on rules or outcomes. Critics warn that it can be vague, circular, or hard to apply consistently.

Limitations: Defining the target identity and balancing personal autonomy with collective values are common challenges. The term remains informal and varies across discussions.

See also: virtue ethics, identity ethics, AI alignment.