Ethics and Public Policy

Ethics and public policy are inextricably linked. All policies have ethical implications, and the policy choices which governments make are influenced, whether explicitly or implicitly, by ethical considerations. Accordingly, good policy analysis necessarily entails sound ethical analysis; the two must go hand in hand. With this in mind, Ethics and Public Policy: Contemporary Issues explores the ethical frameworks and principles upon which governments can and should base their policies.

Drawing on papers from the Ethical Foundations of Public Policy conference held in Wellington in December 2009, this book covers topics such as ethics in decision making and advice giving, sustainability, equality and justice, and measuring progress. As the contributors make clear, the interplay between ethical considerations and policy making is often complex, controversial and challenging; but the careful management of this interplay is vital to the effective functioning of liberal, democratic government. Ethics and Public Policy: Contemporary Issues is essential reading for policy makers and students, as well as those who are interested in the policy process.