Proceduralism is a term used to describe a philosophical position that emphasizes the importance of rules and procedures in determining right and wrong. The word is spelled as [prəˈsiːdʒərəlɪzəm], with the stress on the second syllable. The "pro" in "proceduralism" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, while the "e" in "procedural" is sounded with a schwa. The "l" in "proceduralism" is pronounced with a "dark" el sound. This word's spelling may take time to learn and pronounce, but it is worth it for those interested in philosophy.
Proceduralism is a philosophical concept that pertains to the emphasis on procedures and processes over the content or outcomes of those processes. It is a perspective that values the methodological aspects of decision-making, actions, or systems, rather than focusing solely on their consequences or end results. The term proceduralism can be applied to various fields, including ethics, politics, law, and governance.
In ethics, proceduralism suggests that the ethical legitimacy or moral rightness of an action is determined by the fairness and transparency of the decision-making process, rather than the moral quality of the consequences. Proceduralists argue that the rightness of an action lies in procedural procedures, such as fair and equal treatment, impartiality, and adherence to established rules and principles.
In politics and governance, proceduralism emphasizes the importance of democratic processes, such as free and fair elections, transparent decision-making, and inclusive participation. It promotes the idea that the legitimacy of political systems and government actions is derived from the proper adherence to procedural rules and principles, rather than specific policy outcomes.
Overall, proceduralism values the procedural aspects of decision-making and actions as a means to ensure fairness, accountability, and legitimacy in various spheres of life. It seeks to establish a framework that upholds the importance of due process, equality, and transparency, irrespective of the specific outcomes that may arise from those processes.
The word "proceduralism" is derived from the noun "procedure" with the suffix "-ism" added to it. The noun "procedure" originates from the Latin word "procedere", which is a combination of the prefix "pro-" meaning "forth", and the verb "cedere" meaning "to go". Thus, "procedure" essentially means "to go forth". The suffix "-ism" is commonly used in English to denote a specific doctrine, theory, or belief system. Therefore, "proceduralism" is the belief in or adherence to procedures or a systematic approach to doing things.