Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Aristotle’s virtue ethics emphasizes character, moral virtues, and practical wisdom (phronesis) as essential for ethical decision-making. In the context of public administration, where officials face ethical dilemmas, virtue ethics provides a framework for cultivating personal integrity, responsibility, and fairness, ensuring good governance.

Body

Relevance of Aristotelian Virtue Ethics in Public Administration:

• Focus on Character and Integrity
  • Public administrators with virtues like honesty, courage, and justice ensure ethical decision-making beyond just following laws and rules.
  • Example: An IAS officer resisting political pressure to approve unethical projects reflects integrity. .
• Promotion of the Golden Mean (Moderation in Decision-Making)
  • Aristotle advocated avoiding extremes (deficiency or excess) and practicing balance in judgment.
    • In governance, administrators should balance authority and empathy, transparency and confidentiality, efficiency and inclusivity.
  • Example: A police officer ensuring law enforcement while respecting human rights.
• Development of Practical Wisdom (Phronesis)
  • Public servants must exercise practical wisdom to resolve ethical dilemmas in complex governance scenarios.
  • Example: Civil servants during disaster management must act decisively yet compassionately (evacuating people forcefully if needed, yet ensuring humane treatment).
• Public Trust and Ethical Leadership
  • When administrators embody virtues, they earn citizens’ trust, enhancing legitimacy and governance effectiveness.
  • Example: E. Sreedharan (“Metro Man of India”) demonstrated professional excellence, integrity, and accountability, ensuring public projects’ timely execution.
• Long-Term Institutional Ethics Over Rule-Based Compliance
  • While laws and codes of conduct set minimum ethical standards, virtue ethics ensures internal moral commitment beyond written rules.
  • Example: A bureaucrat ensuring environmental sustainability in infrastructure projects, even when laws permit minor environmental compromises.

Cultivating Virtues for Ethical Governance

• Training and Ethical Sensitization
  • Ethical training for public officials to develop virtues like fairness, courage, and humility.
  • Example: LBSNAA’s ethics module and Mission Karmayogi emphasizes moral reasoning and leadership.
• Role Models and Mentorship
  • Learning from ethical leaders fosters a culture of virtue-based governance.
  • Example: T.N. Seshan (former CEC) upheld electoral integrity despite political pressures.
• Institutionalizing Ethical Practices
  • Establishing ethics committees, ombudsman offices, and whistleblower protections to reinforce virtuous conduct.
  • Example: The Lokpal Act promotes integrity by holding public officials accountable.

Conclusion

Aristotle’s virtue ethics remains highly relevant in contemporary public administration, as governance is not just about laws but also about the moral character of administrators. By cultivating virtues, public officials can foster trust, accountability, and ethical governance, ensuring a just and responsible administration.