Political Ethics: A Handbook

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Political Ethics is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to key issues in political theory, written by some of the world's leading thinkers in politics, philosophy, and related fields. In a series of original essays, the contributors examine a range of urgent political problems, including lies and deception, compromise and refusal to compromise, the meaning and limits of political integrity, representation and failures of representation, good and bad democratic leadership, the virtues and excesses of partisanship, administrative ethics, political corruption, whistleblowing, legitimate and illegitimate claims of political emergency, and lobbying. What emerges are realistic but demanding ethical standards, and a clear-eyed understanding of the ethical challenges of political life in the twenty-first century.

The book is divided into four parts, each exploring a different aspect of political ethics. Part I examines the nature and scope of political ethics, exploring the relationship between politics and morality, the role of political institutions in shaping ethical behavior, and the ethical challenges of political decision-making. Part II explores the ethics of representation, examining the ways in which political leaders are responsible for their actions and the ways in which they are accountable to their constituents. Part III explores the ethics of power, examining the ways in which political actors use and abuse power, and the ethical challenges of political authority and governance. Part IV explores the ethics of democracy, examining the virtues and excesses of democratic leadership, the role of citizens in shaping political outcomes, and the ethical challenges of political participation and engagement.

The contributors to Political Ethics are a diverse group of scholars and experts, including Richard Bellamy, Alin Fumurescu, Edward Hall, Suzanne Dovi, Jesse McCain, Eric Beerbohm, Russell Muirhead, Nancy Rosenblum, Joseph Heath, Elizabeth David-Barrett, Mark Philp, Michele Bocchiola, Emanuela Ceva, Nomi Lazar, Phil Parvin, and Andrew Sabl. Each contributor brings their unique perspective and expertise to the book, offering a rich and nuanced understanding of the ethical challenges of political life in the twenty-first century.

One of the key themes of Political Ethics is the relationship between politics and morality. The contributors argue that there is a deep and complex relationship between these two spheres, and that political decisions and actions can have profound ethical consequences. They explore the ways in which political leaders can bend moral constraints in the name of political necessity, and the ways in which they can be held accountable for their actions. They also examine the ethical challenges of political compromise, arguing that it is essential for democratic governance but can also lead to ethical compromises and failures of representation.

Another key theme of Political Ethics is the ethics of representation. The contributors argue that political leaders have a responsibility to represent their constituents accurately and fairly, and that they must be accountable for their actions and decisions. They explore the ways in which political representation can be undermined by corruption, bias, and discrimination, and the ways in which citizens can engage in political participation and engagement to ensure that their voices are heard.

The ethics of power is another important theme of Political Ethics. The contributors argue that political actors have a responsibility to use power in a responsible and ethical manner, and that they must be accountable for their actions and decisions. They explore the ways in which power can be abused, including by corruption, authoritarianism, and discrimination, and the ways in which citizens can engage in political participation and engagement to ensure that power is used for the common good.

The ethics of democracy is another important theme of Political Ethics. The contributors argue that democracy is a valuable and important political system, but that it also faces significant ethical challenges. They explore the virtues and excesses of democratic leadership, the role of citizens in shaping political outcomes, and the ethical challenges of political participation and engagement. They also examine the ways in which democracy can be undermined by corruption, bias, and discrimination, and the ways in which citizens can engage in political participation and engagement to ensure that democracy is upheld and protected.

In conclusion, Political Ethics is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to key issues in political theory, written by some of the world's leading thinkers in politics, philosophy, and related fields. The contributors offer a rich and nuanced understanding of the ethical challenges of political life in the twenty-first century, and provide realistic but demanding ethical standards for political leaders and citizens alike. The book is an essential read for anyone interested in politics, philosophy, and the ethics of political life.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691179681