Frameworks like Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development have long been a part of our fundamental education on human motivation and ethical growth. But there’s another intriguing spectrum to consider dubbed the “Spectrum of Care”. The following framework is not about dietary choices or specific ideologies but rather about the expanding scope of our ethical considerations. It offers a fresh perspective that forms an approximation of how our sense of care can evolve from self-interest to a universal compassion that transcends our immediate surroundings and the war between those on different levels. As the levels progress, it requires more understanding to justify as reality. Combined with this, there are practically always going to be new people and animals coming into the world who are on the lower levels with no understanding of the logic that justifies the higher levels. Sometimes people can use the fact there are others on lower levels as a reason to maintain a lower level themselves. This is the Spectrum of Care.
Levels of Care
1. People who are willing to harm others to get their own way
Self-Interest at Any Cost: Prioritizing personal gain without regard for others’ well-being. This level is characterized by a focus on self-preservation and achieving personal goals regardless of the impact on others. It represents the most basic form of self.
2. People who only look after themselves
Self-Care: Focusing on personal needs and well-being, often as a foundation for broader ethical growth. This level involves meeting one’s own needs without actively harming others, serving as a stepping stone to more expansive care. It reflects an understanding of personal responsibility. Some people can percieve that they are on this level while understanding that to get the best care for themselves they need to make sure everyone gets the best possible.
3. People who only look after their family and friends
Familial and Friendly Bonds: Extending care and protection to loved ones, fulfilling the need for belonging and connection. This level emphasizes the importance of close relationships and the ethical responsibility and encouragement to those within one’s immediate circle. It is a natural progression from self-care to social care.
4. People who only care about their business or work
Professional Commitment: Dedication to professional success and the welfare of colleagues and employees. This level highlights the role of responsibility to cause and the impact of one’s professional actions on others is purely viewed based on how well it achieves one’s working goals. As part of this level people might view their working goals as the only way to contribute to humanity and how their goals are a reasons to undermine others.
5. People who care about only their country
National Loyalty: Embracing patriotism and a sense of duty to fellow citizens. This level involves a commitment to the welfare of one’s nation and the ethical implications of national policies and actions. It reflects a sense of collective identity and responsibility.
6. People who care about all humans
Humanitarian Concern: Adopting a universal approach to ethics, emphasizing equality and human rights. This level transcends national boundaries, advocating for the well-being of all people regardless of background. It embodies a global perspective on human rights.
7. People who care about all life
Biocentric Awareness: Valuing biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The most life that likes you means the most help and the most success. This level acknowledges the ethical significance of all life forms and ecosystems. It’s not about thinking a bacteria can comprehend human language, but maybe it is about the scientific consideration of what a bacteria can understand or might be trying to achieve. While the life of a bacteria is a small consideration, the consideration of not enjoying destroying any life at all for the pure sake of it (assuming they are not harming you) might be an example of the justifications you can reach on this level.
8. People who care about the next generation
Generational Responsibility: Ensuring sustainability and prosperity for future generations. Reaching into the future as far as possible to make human lives comfortable. This level focuses on long-term impact and the ethical duty to preserve resources and opportunities for those who will come after us. It encourages forward-thinking and sustainability.
9. People who care about all life that will exist in the universe
Cosmic Compassion: Considering the potential for all life that will likely ever exist. This level expands ethical consideration to include the possibility of extraterrestrial life in future and the broader cosmos. It’s the ultimate extension of caring for the next generation and you will fight for the best thing possible for all life that is likely to exist based on traditional understandings that the universe might end or humans might die out. As well, it challenges us to think beyond Earth-centric ethics.
10. People who care about all life that might exist or will ever potentially exist again
Universal Potential: Encompassing the infinite possibilities of existence, from cosmic origins to philosophical realms. This level represents the ultimate expansion of ethical concern, considering all potential forms of life and existence, consideration for every possible way life could exist however unlikely and trying to make it so there is the most life possible in an infinite universe. It requires profound philosophical and emotional understanding of theoretical scenarios like CERN’s exploration into creating a big bang to infinitely power the universe, or certain religious views of heaven and afterlife where all live will reach heaven and live forever with god.
Conclusion
The Spectrum of Care offers a compelling framework for understanding the evolution of our ethical considerations. As we ascend this spectrum, the scope of our care expands, challenging us to think beyond our immediate needs and consider broader, more inclusive perspectives. By striving to reach higher levels on this spectrum, we collectively reduce the effort spent undermining others and increase the potential for shared prosperity and harmony. This framework serves as a reminder that ethical growth is a journey, one that invites us to continually reassess and expand our circle of care. Whether grounded in psychology, ethics, or even the cosmic ambitions of science, these levels encourage us to strive for a more compassionate and interconnected world.