Project Archive

Abstract:

“Cancel Culture” is a form of social ostracization that serves to exclude from the social sphere those who have committed social transgressions. By analyzing written works and scholarly articles based on philosophical theories, we will determine whether this practice is a reasonable and effective reaction to those who have committed social transgressions. This literature review will apply six philosophical theories—Essentialism, Utilitarianism, the Scapegoat Mechanism, Existentialism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics—to this modern day form of social ostracization. This exploration will reveal that Essentialism, Utilitarianism, and the Scapegoat Mechanism provide an explanation to social ostracization. These explanations include: the belief that misdeeds stem from an unchangeable aspect of one’s character, the need to preserve the happiness of the majority and reinforce norms, and the need to create a sense of peace and justice within society. However, Existentialism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics provide strong reasons against engaging in “cancel culture.” These reasons include: stressing the importance of believing we are capable of change, the assertion that we should not use others as a means to an end, and the belief that our actions should remain moderate in order to craft a virtuous character. The conclusion of this research reveals that philosophy provides a framework for understanding how and why “cancel culture” occurs, while also providing sound reasons to challenge this form of ostracism. By using philosophy to reevaluate how we behave—particularly in how we respond to the misdeeds of others—we can use reason to align our actions with our vision of an ideal society.