SCOPE OF ETHI5 : MORAL SPHERE, SOCIAL SPHERE AND POLITICAL

CONSIDERATIONS

MORAL SPHERE

August 8, 2015Values and Ethics: Putting it TogetherRobert H. Kane

The view presented in the preceding sections can be described as the “moral sphere theory” of
the right, supported by a “dimensional theory” of the good. This overall perspective can be
referred to as the “moral sphere theory” of the good and the right.

SOCIAL SPHERE

A manuscript from George N. Gotsis & Zoe Kortezi 1974

Two particularly intriguing ways in which law interfaces with other aspects of society include
situations where officials create, interpret, and enforce the law, as well as how individuals and
organizations carry out their operations in compliance with legal regulations. To better
understand these scenarios, the concept of a social sphere is introduced. A social sphere can be
characterized as a domain of activity in which the participants have the ability. A social sphere
can be described as a space where individuals come together to share common understandings,
rules, and principles related to their activities, which ultimately shape how they participate in
those activities. Another key aspect of studying law in society discussed in this chapter is the
interpretation and handling of legal rules by both officials and citizens. This chapter focuses on
the importance of social spheres and explores how they contribute to organizing the social
environment.

POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS

According to Dennis F. Thompson political ethics, referred as political morality or public ethics,
is the discipline of making ethical judgments related to political activities and analyzing these
practices. This subject is bifurcated into two branches—each encountering unique challenges yet
sharing overlapping literature.

The first branch revolves around the ethics of process or office-based ethics. It predominantly
addresses the actions and methodologies employed by public officials within their respective
institutions.

Conversely, the second branch focuses on policy-based ethics or intersects between ethics and
public policy. It concentrates on scrutinizing laws and policies enacted by governments.

Both branches are founded upon moral and political philosophy, democratic theory, and political
science principles. However, Political Ethics remains an independent subject in its entirety. Most
scholars specializing in this field tend not to utilize foundational moral theories directly; they
prefer working with mid-level ideas that mirror considerations factored into decision-making
processes by political operatives.

Political Ethics also brings forth potential conflicts arising between procedural methods versus
policies: Can a beneficial policy be warranted if borne out of an unfair procedure? Conversely
can unjust policies be justified if born out of transparent procedures?