Draft: Margaret Gilbert - "Pro Patria: An Essay on Patriotism"

Abstract

  • Focus on defining patriotism, particularly the basic patriotic motive: acting on behalf of one’s country.

  • Argue that one does not need to admire or love their country to act patriotically.

Basic Patriotic Motive

  • Basic patriotic motive is sufficient for an act to be considered patriotic from a motivational standpoint.

  • A patriotic act can occur without ascribing virtues or achievements to one's country or feeling love for it.

  • Key consideration in determining a patriotic act involves the intention to act on behalf of one’s country.

Political Society and Patriotism

  • Patriotism relates to political societies or countries, embracing varying sizes.

  • Definition of joint commitment: parties must support political institutions collectively.

  • Citizens are members demonstrating this support through joint commitments.

Margaret Gilbert differentiates among various types of patriots, elucidating the conceptual complexity of patriotism. She identifies categories such as rational patriots, wise patriots, super-patriots, and akratic patriots, exploring their respective motivations and forms of commitment.

  1. Rational Patriots:

    • They exhibit a reasoned dedication to their country, grounded in logical assessment of their nation's values and actions.

    • Their patriotism stems from a deliberate choice, often linked to a critical understanding of their country’s ethics and governance.

  2. Wise Patriots:

    • Wise patriots not only possess rationality but also demonstrate insight into the broader implications of patriotism, balancing national allegiance with universal moral considerations.

    • They engage in patriotic acts thoughtfully, ensuring their actions align with both the interests of their country and global welfare.

  3. Super-Patriots:

    • These individuals display an intense, sometimes uncritical loyalty to their country, potentially leading to a disregard for ethical concerns.

    • Their commitment can manifest in extreme forms of nationalism, raising questions about the moral consequences of their allegiance.

  4. Akratic Patriots:

    • Akratic patriots act against their better judgment, engaging in patriotic acts despite recognizing the lack of justification for their actions.

    • Their behavior highlights the tension between emotional allegiance and rational assessment, illustrating that patriotism can sometimes lead to irrational decisions.

Gilbert's distinctions clarify that patriotism is not a monolithic concept; rather, it encompasses a spectrum of motivations and ethical considerations. These distinctions illuminate the question of whether patriotism constitutes a virtue by suggesting that it is not solely based on love for one’s country but varies depending on one’s rationality and ethical deliberation. Ultimately, understanding these categories allows for a deeper dialogue about the moral implications of patriotism and whether it can be deemed virtuous or not, depending on its alignment with rational and ethical principles.