6 MCR - Modern challenges to responsibility

by Anna S. Hüncke, Matthias Schmidt and Nina Küpper

Last updated: 2025/04/96

In this learning unit, the classic concept of responsibility is expanded in a number of ways. The aim is to apply responsibility to modern, complex systems. This is problematic because systems are very complex and dynamic and thus elude direct access. These contexts also place special demands on the people who are responsible for mining.

Learning­objectives

Learning objectives

After working through this learning unit, you should:

• Know and be able to explain the basic ideas behind the principle of responsibility and the concept of system responsibility.
• Be able to anticipate and reflect on the demands that are placed on people's attitudes in mining. These demands arise from complex interrelationships in the world.
• Be able to explain why responsibility can be transient in modern and complex systems.

outline

Outline

The "principle of responsibility" according to Hans Jonas forms the basis of this learning unit, in which it thematises the responsibility of humans for nature.

It then explains how humans are able to destroy the earth through the cumulative effects of individual behaviour. It is further shown that the consequences of human actions are unpredictable and that at the same time humans are responsible for these.

System responsibility builds on this and attempts to define the system as the bearer of responsibility. This takes account of a modern society that is differentiated into systems.

Finally, with a view to people in mining, it is also reflected that a cautious attitude can be advisable in complex environments and in an uncertain future.

You will need approx. 120 minutes to work through the learning unit and approx. 240 minutes to complete the exercises.

This unit is demanding in terms of content. If you are seeking an in-depth understanding it could take more time.