Scholarlink

<p>Philosophical discussions on childhood increasingly emphasize its intrinsic value, moving away from traditional “deficit perspectives” that see childhood merely as a&#xa0;preparatory stage for adulthood. While similar views are often applied to adolescence, this paper argues that youth constitutes a&#xa0;distinct life phase with its own special goods. These include identity formation, the development of autonomy, authenticity, deeper social relationships, and moral and political exploration. Adolescence is characterized by rapid cognitive and emotional development, enabling an intense engagement with the self and the social world. By drawing on philosophical and interdisciplinary perspectives, this paper demonstrates that these special goods are not merely transitional features leading to adulthood but have intrinsic normative significance. Furthermore, it explores the challenges of providing social, familial, and institutional support to enable adolescents to realize these goods. Critical objections—such as the cultural specificity of adolescence or the blurred boundaries between life stages—are examined and contextualized. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a&#xa0;broader philosophical and societal recognition of adolescence as a&#xa0;valuable life phase with its own ethical and normative implications, underscoring the need to protect and foster its unique developmental and experiential dimensions.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Die besonderen Güter der Jugend

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月25日

查看全文
  • Gottfried Schweiger

摘要

Philosophical discussions on childhood increasingly emphasize its intrinsic value, moving away from traditional “deficit perspectives” that see childhood merely as a preparatory stage for adulthood. While similar views are often applied to adolescence, this paper argues that youth constitutes a distinct life phase with its own special goods. These include identity formation, the development of autonomy, authenticity, deeper social relationships, and moral and political exploration. Adolescence is characterized by rapid cognitive and emotional development, enabling an intense engagement with the self and the social world. By drawing on philosophical and interdisciplinary perspectives, this paper demonstrates that these special goods are not merely transitional features leading to adulthood but have intrinsic normative significance. Furthermore, it explores the challenges of providing social, familial, and institutional support to enable adolescents to realize these goods. Critical objections—such as the cultural specificity of adolescence or the blurred boundaries between life stages—are examined and contextualized. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a broader philosophical and societal recognition of adolescence as a valuable life phase with its own ethical and normative implications, underscoring the need to protect and foster its unique developmental and experiential dimensions.