| This thesis examines the relationship between the moral rules that apply to all persons by virtue of their humanity ('universal moral rules') and the rules they must follow to continue serving in particular (often socially important) roles ('role responsibilities'). It provides a general framework for what to do if universal moral rules and role responsibilities conflict, focusing particularly on the role of lawyer and similarly state-involving professions. It argues that ideally constituted roles will not create duties to infringe universal moral rules and defends the general priority of universal moral rules when a role's non-ideal constitution leads to conflict. It then offers a limited exception to the general priority of universal moral rules that applies when a role can only be performed if one violates a universal moral rule and the role is necessary for a well-developed society to maintain a certain level of functioning, but suggests one ought to regret the bad effects of acting under that exception. |
