COMPROMISE AND/OR INTEGRITY? SOME NORMATIVE REMARKS

In a compromise parties make a strategic calculation that a sacrifice ofsome their commitments is the best tactic to advance their other values andinterests over their current positions. But if we try to figure a compromise as a wayto get to agreements that can minimize harm and promote mutual respect betweenindividuals, and could increase the level of cooperation between them, we canconsider a compromise shaped in that way as an agreement that can translate atits best some of the individual’s deliberative ideals, as fairness and mutual respect.This kind of compromise will be different from simple negotiation, and moredemanding to each one of the parties. It will require first and foremost a reciprocalrecognition of moral fairness. But can we ever compromise on matters of ethicalprinciple without compromising our integrity?