1. Seek the well-being of all stakeholders.
2. Minimize harm.
3. Respect individual autonomy and bodily integrity.
4. Honor community commitments and agreements.
5. Act fairly.
6. Right any wrongs that have been committed.
7. Encourage personal growth and character development.
I have referred to these principles as “Fitz-Gibbon’s Seven Principles,” and I suggest that they are cosmopolitan, derived from various philosophical and religious traditions. They form what the political philosopher John Rawls might call an “overlapping consensus.” These principles may seem like common sense because we generally take them for granted. They make life bearable and contribute to a civil society. We only notice their importance when one of them is absent or broken.
While working on the pluralist origins of these principles, I found some interesting insights in the third book of the Jewish Torah, Leviticus. Although traditionally believed to be authored by Moses (around the sixteenth century BCE), modern scholars suggest it was more likely written in the sixth century BCE, which aligns with the "Axial Age," a period from around 700 to 200 BCE when cultures across the globe seemed to develop similar concepts of social justice independently.
Here are some of the ethical guidelines from Leviticus:
· Share some of your possessions with those in need.
· Don't steal from others.
· Don't cheat in transactions.
· Don't lie to others or make false oaths.
· Avoid defrauding your neighbor.
· Employers should pay workers on time.
· Show care for people with disabilities.
· Apply laws fairly without partiality.
· Don't gossip or speak ill of others.
· Avoid taking vengeance.
· Love your neighbor as yourself.
These guidelines emphasize fairness, respect for each other, and community. Imagine a society where cheating, lying, stealing, broken promises, and other such behaviors are the norm; it would be a dystopia.
Although we haven't perfected these principles, we've made significant progress toward creating a bearable and civil society. As philosopher Karl Jaspers pointed out, the “Axial Age” represents a time when many different cultures independently identified similar ideas that could improve the world. If scholars are correct about the dating of Leviticus, then these ideas fit within this period and are not a thousand years older.
Karen Armstrong has explored these concepts extensively, showing how the Golden Rule—“Do to others what you would have them do to you”—is foundational to every form of social justice. These ethical principles provide a common basis for building a more just and equitable society.
These ethical principles, derived from ancient texts like Leviticus and resonating with a broad spectrum of philosophical and religious traditions, remind us that our sense of justice and fairness has deep roots. While the world has not yet achieved a perfect balance, I take comfort in knowing that these guiding principles have stood the test of time. By recognizing and honoring them, I can contribute to building a more compassionate and equitable society. Whether it's in my daily interactions, community engagements, or broader social frameworks, these principles can serve as a compass, pointing toward a future where fairness and respect are at the heart of every action and decision. The principles encourage me to be mindful of my actions and to work toward a world where everyone is treated with dignity and kindness.