On the ethical analysis of value issues in public decision-making

Original Articles

On the ethical analysis of value issues in public decision-making

Published in: South African Journal of Philosophy
Volume 23 , issue 3 , 2004 , pages: 213–225
DOI: 10.4314/sajpem.v23i3.31394
Author(s): Johan Hattingh Philosophy Department, South Africa

Abstract

The nature, methodology, importance and implications of an ethical analysis of value issues pertaining to public decision-making is not evident. In this paper I would like to address these issues by posing the following questions:

Why is it important to focus on values in any process of public decision-making?

What is the nature of an ethical analysis of the value issues involved?

What is the basis, if any, for ethical analysis that moves beyond relativism and subjectivity?

What difference can such an ethical analysis make to public decision-making?

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