Dilemma
The Benin Bronzes are a collection of several thousand metal plaques and sculptures that adorned the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin (located in present-day Nigeria). These artifacts were looted by British forces in 1897 during a punitive expedition and have since been dispersed around the globe, with many held in European and American museums (Phillips, 2021).
Virtue Ethics
A virtue ethicist would approach the issue of the Benin Bronzes by considering the moral character and the virtues that individuals and societies involved in the dispute should cultivate. Virtue ethicists focus on traits such as honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, and prudence. From this perspective, returning the Benin Bronzes may be seen as an act of justice and respect for the cultural heritage and dignity of the people of Nigeria. The virtues of humility and recognition of past wrongs would support the argument for repatriation as a way to correct historical injustices and promote healing and reconciliation.
Deontology
A deontologist, on the other hand, would look at the rules, principles, or duties that apply to the situation. Deontological ethics is concerned with the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions rather than their consequences. Applying a deontological lens, one might argue that there is a moral imperative to return the Benin Bronzes based on the principle of rightful ownership or the duty to correct a historical wrong.
From this perspective, the act of looting was inherently unjust. Therefore, there is a duty to restore the artifacts to their rightful owners, regardless of the consequences or the objects’ current legal status. The deontologist would not be swayed by arguments about the educational value of having the bronzes in Western museums or potential economic losses; instead, they would maintain that the duty to act ethically by returning the artifacts is paramount.
Comparison
Both ethical approaches view the conflict as one of justice and rectification, but they reach that conclusion through different paths. The virtue ethicist focuses on the character and virtues that should be cultivated by addressing the issue of the Benin Bronzes, seeing repatriation as a path to cultivate virtues such as justice and respect. The deontologist, however, is primarily concerned with adherence to moral duties and principles, viewing the return of the bronzes as an obligation that stems from the wrongful act of looting.
Reference
Phillips, B. (2021). Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes (Revised and Updated Edition). Simon and Schuster.