Hospitality

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Hospitality

Literal meaning

Receive guests and strangers with generosity and appropriate protection.

Broader interpretation

This item should be interpreted within the historical purpose, intended audience and wider structure of its parent ethical framework.

Historical context

This item belongs to Nine Noble Virtues. Twentieth century, especially the 1970s; Modern British and transatlantic Heathenry.

Practical meaning

Practical application requires attention to intention, consent, evidence, rights, foreseeable effects and the needs of all persons or beings affected.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct, judgment or character in a way consistent with the wider framework.

Exceptions and disputes

Application may become difficult when duties conflict, consequences are uncertain, harm is indirect or historical assumptions no longer fit modern conditions.

Variations across schools or traditions

Wording and interpretation may vary between translations, denominations, schools and historical periods.

Modern application

Modern application should distinguish the historical formulation from present legal, social and ethical conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Application may become difficult when duties conflict, consequences are uncertain, harm is indirect or historical assumptions no longer fit modern conditions.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle through evidence, intentions, rights, foreseeable consequences, consistency and the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

• Hospitality
• Care for strangers
• Compassion

Sources

• The Nine Noble Virtues Commentary / interpretation