Political Responsibility as a Virtue: Nussbaum, MacIntyre, and Ricoeur on the Fragility of Politics. Issue 1 (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tholen, Berry
• Is Part Of: Alternatives. Volume 43:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: political theory -- philosophy -- political responsibility -- ethics; Globalization -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; Sociology -- Periodicals; 306.2
• DOI: 10.1177/0304375418777178
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3754

Abstract

Contemporary virtue ethics is often criticized for its silence on political issues. In this article, it is argued, however, that virtue ethical theory can provide a clarifying understanding of political responsibility. Building on the work of Nussbaum, MacIntyre, and Ricoeur, first, the virtue ethical meaning of politics is elaborated. Then, the vulnerability of politics for typical threats is presented. Finally, it is established what political responsibility as the virtue to deal with these threats encompasses.