minimisens

Minimisens is a term used in philosophy and ethics to describe a minimal or absolute standard of what is considered morally permissible or required. It refers to the lowest acceptable level of moral conduct, below which an action or behavior would be considered unequivocally wrong or a failure to meet basic moral obligations. The concept often arises in discussions about moral duties, rights, and the definition of wrongdoing.

The idea of minimisens suggests that there are certain fundamental moral principles that everyone is expected to uphold, regardless of their individual circumstances or beliefs. For example, it might be argued that causing unnecessary suffering or engaging in deception are below the minimisens of moral behavior. Conversely, a minimisens might include the basic obligation to respect the autonomy of others or to refrain from harming them.

Debates surrounding minimisens often focus on identifying what constitutes these absolute moral baselines and how they can be universally applied. Some philosophers argue that such minimal standards are discoverable through reason or are inherent in human nature, while others believe they are socially constructed or contingent on specific ethical frameworks. The concept is distinct from discussions about optimal or supererogatory actions, which go beyond mere permissibility or basic requirements. Instead, minimisens focuses on the irreducible core of what it means to act morally.