Moral Consciousness and Communicative Action

Some philosophy: I think empathy requires common ground. Habermas argues that all moral discourse assumes a core set of principles. In essence, these principles hold that the interests of all affected are given equal weight. In its most ideal form, moral decisions and acts would carry the consent of all affected.

These principles define moral discourse and are therefore common to all cultures. Critically, this does not imply that all moral systems are consistent. But there is inescapable common ground. This book is hard work, implausible, and utterly convincing.