The Ethics of Dialogue in Paul Ricœur: A Philosophical Analysis in Light of Hermeneutic Thought and Identity

Abstract

This study explores the ethics of dialogue in Paul Ricœur's philosophy within the framework of hermeneutic thought and narrative identity. It argues that dialogue is not merely a communicative act or a linguistic exchange but an ethical and existential process through which the self is constituted, interpreted, and transformed in relation to the other. The research examines the fundamental dimensions of Ricœur’s conception of dialogue, including recognition, plurality, moral imagination, responsibility, and institutional justice. It demonstrates that ethical dialogue depends on the ability to acknowledge difference, engage in mutual understanding, and establish relationships based on respect and responsibility. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of narrative identity in shaping the relationship between self and other, showing that personal identity emerges through interpretation, memory, and interaction. It concludes that Ricœur’s philosophy provides a valuable ethical model for promoting coexistence, reconciliation, and meaningful communication in contemporary societies characterised by cultural diversity and moral plurality.