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How can one be both a philosophical ethicist and a democrat?
1Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, School of Law, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK, malcolm@oswald.com.
Health Care Analysis : HCA : Journal of Health Philosophy and Policy
|January 23, 2013
Summary
Philosophical ethicists face challenges in democratic societies, balancing citizen views with truth-seeking. This work explores applying ethics to policy-making for more just laws and better lives.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Ethics
Background:
- Reconciling philosophical ethics with democratic principles presents inherent difficulties.
- Democratic societies require understanding diverse citizen viewpoints, while ethics emphasizes truth through reason.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the challenges and strategies for philosophical ethicists engaging in democratic policy-making.
- To bridge the gap between abstract philosophical concepts and practical public policy.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the roles of ethicists and democrats.
- Discussion of the application of philosophical thinking to policy informed by ethical theories.
Main Results:
- Significant tension exists between the methods of philosophical ethics and democratic deliberation.
- There is a recognized need for literature on applying ethics to real-world policy.
Conclusions:
- Despite difficulties, applying ethics to policy is crucial for improving laws and benefiting society.
- Ethicists must develop tactics to engage in democratic debate and inform public policy effectively.
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