Solidarity: A core humanitarian virtue? - Progress Review - Jonathan Edwards

In arguing that it is both plausible and useful to describe a ‘virtue-set’ that is necessary for excellence in humanitarian aid work, I suggest the virtue of solidarity as the core to that set. In making this case it will be necessary to elaborate a view of this virtue both as a ‘basic-virtue’ and (following Swanton) as ‘contoured’ by its expression in the context of humanitarian action. Central to my elaboration of this virtue is an understanding of dignity characterised as both a birthright and a potentiality. A basic virtue of solidarity is defined and then interpreted in a humanitarian aid work context. Some normative and substantive implications are noted.