تبیین نسبت «قاعده طلایی» با مسئولیت مدنی

نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

نویسندگان

1 استادیار، گروه حقوق خصوصی و اسلامی، دانشکده حقوق و علوم سیاسی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران.

2 دانشجوی دکتری حقوق خصوصی، دانشکده حقوق و علوم سیاسی، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران.

چکیده

قاعده طلایی، به‌عنوان یکی از قواعد بنیادین اخلاق، مقرر می‌دارد «با دیگران همانطور رفتار کنید که رضایت دارید در وضعیت مشابه با شما رفتار شود». به‌کارگیری این قاعده در مسئولیت مدنی در قالب «نظریه رفتار غیرنگر»، باعث می‌شود تا از طریق شناسایی شرایط، عوامل و ارزش‌ها، تحمیل مسئولیت مدنی توجیه شود و مسئولیت مبتنی بر تقصیر، از حالت عینی و بدون سرزنش خود که ناشی از توجه به رفتار عامل زیان می‌باشد خارج شود، و به یک حالت ذهنی و فرآیند فکری که انتظار می‌رود انسان معقول هنگام تصمیم‌گیری در مورد نحوه رفتارش با دیگران داشته باشد، تمرکز کند و از طریق فراهم آوردن منبعی از ارز‌ش‌های مناسب برای عامل معقول، باعث ادغام طرح‌ها و اولویت‌های مختلف دیگران در طرح‌ها و اولویت‌های عامل زیان شده و انسجام اجتماعی را بهبود ‌بخشد. اگر چه قاعده طلایی، با اعمال نظام مسئولیت محض در فعالیت‌های فوق‌العاده خطرناکی، که عامل به طور معقول رفاه خود و دیگران را در نظر گرفته، و با این وجود خطر اتفاق افتاده است سازگار نیست، و در خصوص تصمیمات نامعقول در مورد سطح فعالیت نیز با ارجاع کارکرد مسئولیت محض به نظام تقصیر، اعمال مسئولیت محض را در این موضوعات غیرضروری و غیرقابل‌توجیه می‌داند.

کلیدواژه‌ها

موضوعات


عنوان مقاله [English]

Elucidating the Relationship between the "Golden Rule" and Civil Liability

نویسندگان [English]

  • Abbas Mirshekari 1
  • Fateme Ramezany 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Private and Islamic Law, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 PhD Student in Private Law, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
چکیده [English]

∴ Introduction
The exploration of ethical principles within the legal framework has always been a fascinating domain for scholars and practitioners alike. The "Golden Rule," a principle deeply rooted in various religious and ethical systems, provides a profound basis for examining moral conduct across cultures. This paper delves into the intriguing relationship between the golden rule—often encapsulated by the ethos of treating others as one wishes to be treated oneself—and its applicability within the domain of tort liability. Historically, the golden rule has transcended mere philosophical discourse, influencing moral and ethical guidelines across civilizations. Its simplicity and universal appeal have made it a cornerstone for evaluating interpersonal behaviors and, by extension, its potential relevance to legal norms and practices, particularly within the framework of civil liability. By examining the intricate relationship between this ethical principle and civil liability, this paper seeks to uncover whether the foundational values of the golden rule can be harmoniously integrated into the legal adjudication of torts, thereby offering a novel lens through which tort liability can be understood and assessed.
∴ Research Question
The central inquiry of this paper revolves around the feasibility and implications of applying the golden rule within the civil liability system. Civil liability, a pivotal aspect of private law, often grapples with the ethical dimensions of actions and their consequences on others. The research question thus formulated is: "can the golden rule be effectively applied to the civil liability system, and if so, how does its application influence the determination of liability?" This question aims to bridge the gap between ethical imperatives and legal obligations, investigating whether a principle rooted in moral and ethical considerations can provide a viable framework for adjudicating tort claims.
∴ Research Hypothesis
The hypothesis posited in this paper is that the golden rule, with its universal ethical appeal and simplicity, can serve as an effective moral guide within the civil liability system. It is theorized that this ethical principle can be operationalized in legal adjudication, providing a nuanced criterion for evaluating the actions of the tortfeasor in light of potential harm to others. Specifically, the application of the golden rule could influence the determination of liability by fostering a non-reciprocal behavior theory, which assesses actions based on the approval or disapproval of the conduct if roles were reversed. This hypothesis suggests that integrating the golden rule into civil code could promote fair conditions of interaction and social cooperation, ultimately guiding the adjudication process towards more equitable outcomes.
∴ Methodology & Framework, if Applicable
To comprehensively explore the application of the golden rule within the civil liability framework, this paper employs a doctrinal research methodology, using a wide array of sources including legal texts, jurisprudential analysis, and philosophical discourse. This methodological approach allows for an in-depth examination of the conceptual underpinnings of the golden rule and its historical significance across various ethical and religious traditions. Furthermore, the paper adopts a non-reciprocal behavior theory as its analytical framework, examining how the golden rule's ethical mandate of mutual respect and empathy can be translated into legal principles governing civil liability. This framework critically evaluates the potential of the golden rule to serve as a guiding principle in determining the liability of tortfeasors, considering the complexities and nuances of civil code. Through this methodology and framework, the paper aims to elucidate the theoretical and practical implications of applying the golden rule in civil liability, contributing to the broader discourse on the intersection of ethics and law.
∴ Results & Discussion
The comprehensive analysis undertaken in this paper elucidates the profound impact of the golden rule on civil liability, manifested through the innovative "non-reciprocal behavior theory." This theory posits that the essence of civil liability hinges on a fundamental disregard for the victim's welfare, prioritizing self-interest over mutual respect and empathy. The application of the golden rule within this framework emphasizes a decision-making process that seeks to harmonize the interests of all parties involved, thereby fostering a legal and societal environment characterized by fairness, efficiency, and stability. By integrating ethical principles such as Kant's categorical imperative and Rawls's veil of ignorance, the non-reciprocal behavior theory aligns closely with the ethos of the Golden Rule, advocating for impartiality and the elimination of selfish motives in determining tort liability.
     This theory's application significantly influences the adjudication of strict liability/liability without fault cases within civil code. In strict liability, the determination revolves around establishing a duty of care and the extent of this duty, with the tortfeasor's choice of activity and the concept of moral agency playing pivotal roles. The golden rule, thus, serves as a criterion for assessing the tortious responsibility in considering the welfare of others, delineating a clear boundary between voluntary acceptance of risk and contingent duties based on knowledge of potential harm.
     The implications of the golden rule extend more prominently to strict liability, particularly in the context of activities deemed extraordinarily dangerous. Under this theory, the adherence to reasonable care in such activities absolves the tortfeasor from liability for damages arising from inherent risks, aligning with the principle of moral agency and the inability to alter outcomes through different decisions. This perspective challenges traditional views on strict liability, advocating for a reevaluation of liability in cases where the tortfeasor, despite taking all reasonable precautions, cannot mitigate the intrinsic dangers of certain activities.
∴ Conclusion
The golden rule, with its ethical profundity and universal acceptance, emerges as a pivotal influence on the legal doctrine of civil liability. Through the lens of the non-reciprocal behavior theory, this article has demonstrated how ethical considerations, deeply embedded in the golden rule, can be intricately woven into the fabric of tort law, guiding principles of strict liability towards more equitable and just outcomes. The theory underscores the importance of considering the welfare of others as a foundational aspect of legal responsibility, advocating for a legal system that mirrors the ethical ideals of fairness, empathy, and mutual respect.
     The integration of the golden rule into civil liability challenges conventional legal paradigms, proposing a shift towards a more ethically informed adjudication process that values decision-making over behavior, and collective welfare over individual gain. This approach not only aligns with the moral imperatives of the golden rule but also addresses the complexities of tort law, offering a nuanced framework for assessing liability that transcends the limitations of traditional fault and strict liability doctrines.
     In conclusion, the application of the golden rule within civil law, as explored through the non-reciprocal behavior theory, reveals the potential for a more harmonious and morally cohesive legal system. By embracing the ethical principles encapsulated by the golden rule, civil liability can evolve towards a more empathetic and just adjudication process, reflecting the inherent value of treating others as one would wish to be treated. This paper, therefore, lays the groundwork for further exploration and integration of ethical principles into legal practice, fostering a dialogue between morality and law that enriches our understanding of justice and responsibility in an interconnected world.

کلیدواژه‌ها [English]

  • Golden Rule
  • Non-reciprocal Behavior Theory
  • Civil Liability
  • Strict Liability
  • Fault
  1. قرآن کریم.
  2. امام علی (علیه‌السلام). نهج‌البلاغه (محمد دشتی، مترجم). مشهد: آستان قدس رضوی.
  3. ارسطو (1381). اخلاق نیکوماخس (دکتر سیدابوالقاسم پور‌حسینی، مترجم) (جلد اول). تهران: دانشگاه تهران.
  4. بادینی، حسن (1389). نگرشی انتقادی به معیار انسان معقول و متعارف برای تشخیص تقصیر در مسئولیت مدنی. فصلنامه حقوق مجله دانشکده حقوق و علوم سیاسی، شماره 1، صص.73-93.
  5. بادینی، حسن (1394). فلسفه مسئولیت مدنی. تهران: سهامی انتشار.
  6. بشیریه، حسین (1382). دیباچه‌ای بر فلسفه عدالت. ماهنامه ناقد، شماره 82، ص. 33.
  7. بلانچارد، کنت (1384). قدرت مدیریت اخلاقی (بهزاد رمضانی، مترجم). تهران: گندمان.
  8. جعفری‌تبار، حسن (1396). مسئولیت مدنی کالا. تهران: نگاه معاصر.
  9. دهقانی، محمد (1386). روان‌شناسی دین. تهران: رشد.
  10. روشنگر، محمدضیا (1398). نسبت مفهوم طبیعت با ایده جهان نزد ایمانوئل کانت. تهران: دانشگاه تهران.
  11. کریمی لاسکی، محمد و فرامرز قراملکی، احد (1394). تحلیل مفهومی و گزاره‌ای قاعده زرین اخلاق. پژوهش‌نامه اخلاق، شماره 28، صص. 75-98.
  12. گاردی، ژ.ل (1373). حقوق، منطق و معرفت‌شناسی (دکتر حسن حبیبی، مترجم). تهران: اطلاعات.
  13. میرشکاری، عباس و ملکی، نفیسه (1401). مسئولیت مدنی اشخاص مشهور در تأیید کالاها و خدمات. پژوهشنامه حقوق اسلامی، سال 23، شماره2، صص17-18. doi:10.30497/law.2022.242216.3150
  14. نیشابوری، مسلم‌بن‌حجاج (1334). صحیح مسلم (جلد2). استانبول: دارالطباعة‌العامره.
  15. Abraham, K. (2002). The Forms and Functions of Tort Law, New York: Foundation Press.
  16. Aquinas, T. (1994). Truth (Quaestiones disputatae de veritate English), Vol. II Questions X-XX, Translated by James V. McGlynn, Indianapolis, Indiana.
  17. Calabresi, G & Hirschoff, J (1972). "Toward a Test for Strict Liability in Torts", The Yale law Journal, Vol 50, pp 1055-1085.
  18. Campodonico, A. (2013). ‘How to Read Today Natural Law in Aquinas New Blackfriars 4:PP 716–32.
  19. Cardi, W & Green, M. (2008). "Duty Wars", Southern California Law Review, Vol 81, pp 671-734.
  20. Coleman, J. (1992). Risk and Wrongs, New York: Cambridge University Press.
  21. Donohue, J. (1989). The Law and Economics of Tort Law: The Profound Revolution, Harvard law Review, Vol 102, pp 1047-1073.
  22. Duxbury, N. (2009). Golden rule reasoning, moral judgment, and law. Notre Dame Law Review, 84, 1529-1605.
  23. Epstein, R. (1974). "Defenses and Subsequent Pleas in a System of Strict Liability", The Journal of Legal Studies, Vol 3,pp 165-185.
  24. Esper,D & Keating, G (2008). "Putting “Duty” In Its Place", University of Southern Clifornia Gould School of law,Vol 4, pp90-110.
  25. Fletcher, G. (1972). "Fairness & Utility in Tort Theory", Harvard law Review, Vol 85,pp 537-573.
  26. Geistfeld, M. (2008). Tort Law Essentials , New York: Wolters Kluwer.
  27. Gensler, H. (2009). Formal Ethics, London: Routledge.
  28. Gensler, H. (2013). Ethics And The Golden Rule, London: Routledge.
  29. Gerhart , P. (2010). Tort law and social morality, New york: Cambridge University Press.
  30. Goldberg, J & Zipursky, B. (2001). "The Restatement (Third) and the Place of Duty in Negligence Law,Vanderbilt law Review,Vol54, pp 658-678.
  31. Goldberg, J. (2003). "Rethinking Injury and Proximate Cause", Sandiego law Review,Vol 40, pp1315-1343.
  32. Gould, A. (1968). "Clarifying Singer's Golden Rule, Instituto de Investigaciones Filosoficas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Vol 6, pp95-101.
  33. Grady, M. (1984). "Proximate Cause and the Law of Negligence", UCLA Law Review,Vol 50,pp 293-335. Hall, P. M. (1994). Narrative and the Natural Law. An Interpretation of Thomistic Ethics. Notre Dame, Notre Dame University Press.
  34. Hardin, G. (1985). Filters Against Folly, New york: Penguin Books.
  35. Hare R.M. (1965). Freedom And Reason, New York: Oxford University 
  36. Hertzler, O. (1934). "On Golden Rules"  International Journal of Ethics, Vol 44: PP 418-436.
  37. Hylton, K. (2001). "The Theory of Tort Doctrine and the Restatement (Third) of Torts", Boston University School law, Vol 54 ,pp1-23.
  38. Kant, I. (1785). Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals, New York: Cambridge University Press.
  39. Kant, I. (1956). Critique of Practical reason, New York: Lewis White. Beck, Bobbs-Merrill.
  40. Kaplow, L & Shavell, S. (2002). Fairness Versus Welfare, Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
  41. Keating, G. (2004). "Rawlsian Fairness and Regime Choice in the Tort Law of Accidents", Fordham Law Review, Vol 72,pp 1857 -1921.
  42. Kung, H. (1998). A Golden Ethic For Global Politics And Economics, New York: Oxford University 
  43. Levmore, S. (1994). Foundations of Tort Law, New York: Foundation Press.
  44. Neil, D. (2009). "Golden rule reasoning, moral judgment, and law, Notre Dame Law Review,Vol 84, pp 1529-1605.
  45. Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice, Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
  46. Reid, T. (2002). Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University.
  47. Ripstein, A. (1999). Equality, Responsibility, and the Law, New york: Cambridge University Press.
  48. Ripstein, R. (2004). "The Division of Responsibility and the Law of Tort ",Fordham Law Review,Vol 72, pp1811-1844.
  49. Shavell, S. (1992). "Liability and the Incentive to Obtain Information about Risk", The University of Chicago press, Vol 21, pp 259-270.
  50. Simon, H. (1957). Models of Man: Social and Rational, New York: John Wiley and Sons inc.
  51. Simoncelli, D. (2018). “From Natural Law To The Golden Rule: Aquinas Revisited”, Ethics, Politics & Society Journal,Vol 30,pp261-275.
  52. Singer, M. (2006). The Golden Rule, London: Routledge.
  53. Wattles, J. (1996). The Golden Rule. New York: Oxford University Press.
  54. Weinrib , E. (1995). The Idea of Private Law, New York: Harvard University Press.
  55. Weiss, P. (1941). "The Golden Rule",The Journal of Philosophy,Vol 16 ,pp 421-430.
  56. Wood, A. (2001). Basic Writings of Kant, New York: Modern Library.
  57. Wright, R. (1987). "The Efficiency Theory of Causation and Responsibility: Unscientific Formalism and False Semantics", Chicago- Kant law Review, Vol 63, pp 553-578.