Between Well-Being and Virtue

The Relationship as Care for the Other and the World

Abstract

Otherness, understood as a reality distinct from the self, can be considered a relatively recent concept, emerging in the early twentieth century. The novelty of this perspective lies in a paradigm shift that moves the focus from the centrality of the self to the dimension of the “we” emphasizing the relational act as a constitutive element of existence in all its forms. The concept of “relationship” entails interaction between distinct entities and, consequently, a process of discovery of the other’s world. This line of thought opens the way to an ontological existentialism, oriented toward understanding the world as an external reality separate from the self. In parallel at the renewed interest in otherness, a reflection on virtuous action within the human–nature relationship has developed, wherein nature is conceived as both an ontological and axiological framework for human coexistence. Investigating how this relationship evolves—andhow caring for others inherently involves caring for the world—constitutes the core of this inquiry. For this reason, it is essential to analyze the relationship between human beings and the natural environment, recognizing nature as a foundational element for human well-being.