Politeness

The courtesy and civility is a virtue, the consequence is a considerate behavior that will bring the respect for the opponent to express. Your opposite is the rudeness or barbarism.

It belongs to the social customs, sociological social norms. The word has " courtly " developed from the concept that described the way of life on the early modern court.

General

In contrast to the ease with which one treats familiar people, the courtesy is strongly influenced by social norms and manners and is often expressed by respectful distance. Depending on the culture and era there are very different forms of what is considered polite. Generally applicable rules of courtesy which apply to all cultures, therefore can not be found. A comprehensive general definition is in ajar to Arthur Schopenhauer formulation: " Politeness is a verbal or non verbal behavior that is part of normal human relationships and has the purpose to bring the benefits of other people indirectly to appearance or to protect him when. maybe he does not want to be exquisite " the associated forms of behavior is referred to - technically, that is not morally judgmental - either as negative or as positive politeness: " negative politeness ', which is concerned about conservation and relief of another, " as opposed to " positive [ n] politeness ', the sympathy, attention and curiosity for the other shows. " such just not aloof - cool politeness is also referred to as a " courtesy heart " (cf. tact ). The courtesy is not only an expression of the good that man possesses by nature in itself, but it is also the fruit of an effort. There are people who feel for the courtesy in itself. Who has the courtesy in the blood, will have to exert less to be a better person. The others must pay in contrast, a laborious work, in order to acquire this essential property. As the French moralist Joseph Joubert said, "For the man is his kindness the most beautiful jewelry that is not enough man, who is not sufficiently well -behaved. "

Historically, courtesy developed in the process of civilization ( Norbert Elias ) in late medieval transition to modern times, first at court, where the brutality and violence of the feudal nobility courtly courtesy of the court nobility was tamed.

Examples

A few examples of politeness norms that are generally consistent, at least in most Western societies:

• It brings other not embarrassed or awkward situations; this includes restraint in response possibly sensitive issues. ( Dramatic saying: In the house of the hanged one does not speak of the rope. ) Thus, one remains with critical opinion statements to present or even absent persons back ( rude it is, for example, a conversation quickly to move towards the gossip).
• We would like to thank another for something, but gives way to a gratitude tactful.
• It welcomes and bids farewell to another (see greeting ). Non- response to a greeting is perceived as gross discourtesy.
• Man knocking on a door at before one enters or makes cautious about one's own present attention (classic: Man coughs. ).
• It is preferred in everyday situations older people and women against rüstigeren people or men ( of a seat, refreshments rich, personalized greeting several).
• It expresses itself linguistically in distant and respectful manner and selects needlessly no rude words. ( Some languages ​​distinguish between the 2nd person polite form ( "you") and a general form ( "You " ) and a confidential use of language as the familiar form of address. )

Moral Philosophical definitions and recommendations

The moral philosopher Friedrich Paulsen gave the following clear and concise definitions and recommendations:

Politeness than with respect to individual traffic ceremony: Be polite, that is, get used to it, to note the traffic ceremonial, the society, ie here the entirety of those who are connected to each other by social intercourse, as every organization produces. Through the traffic ceremonial prescribed universally, as the individual to behave in social intercourse, when and how he

• To speak and to be silent,
• Take and give,
• To make visits and to receive,
• To eat and to drink,
• To dress and to bow,
• To write letters and
• Have to make styling.

It is the job of the traffic ceremonial prevent the interference that would be caused by clumsiness and undisciplined selfishness in social intercourse.

Decency: True decency, that is, hurt no one. Propriety dictates to avoid what repulsive, repugnant, disgusting could be the other.

Politeness in the narrower sense ( humanitas ): Strive courtesy in the narrower sense ( humanitas ). The Polite meets the strangers with signs of respect and benevolence, explaining that he was to take with him on a peaceful and friendly means of transport ready.

Ruthlessness and their subspecies: Avoid recklessness, the opposite of politeness. It shows itself either in

• Rudeness or crudeness, due to lack of education or the natural disposition;
• Rudeness, that is, intentional neglect of courtesy obligations.

Politeness in different cultures

Judaism

Play a central role in politeness and good manners (Hebrew Derech Eretz, דרך ארץ ) in Jewish culture. The Jewish religion, it commands the believers to honor God by taking on the feelings of others and is sensitive to the fact. Among the social niceties to which the individual is stopped, one in particular that he people he knows, greets that he invites them to his home ( Hachnasat Orchim ), and that he over others - including absentees - respectfully speaking. Courtesy and good manners are considered essential element of a stable and healthy community.