Introduction

The objective of this chapter is to sketch the contours and theoretical basis of a conception of political ethics that is expressly animated by democratic principles. The view I develop challenges the sufficiency of traditional understandings of political ethics that locate political ethics primarily in rules and norms regulating conflict of interest. Although the analysis of conflict of interest forms a legitimate and important part of political ethics, I argue that discourse about political ethics needs to be broadened and extended to encompass matters beyond issues of improper financial gain by public officials. We have reason to scrutinize the conduct not just of politicians and public servants, but also of citizens, the media, political consultants, and private businesspersons. And we have reason to include within the ambit of political ethics questions about how democratic ideals of participation, deliberation, and political equality are affected by the conduct of such actors.

Although I argue for an expansion of the contours of political ethics, the position I develop is, in important respects, complementary to conflict-of-interest research. The investigation of conflict-of-interest issues that arise in political settings is ultimately motivated by a concern for the health of democratic politics. There is a natural concern to want to determine how well democratic institutions and processes are served by various conflict-of-interest norms.