CSPO 24A10 - Integrity in Politics: The Case of Democracies
Multiple surveys have documented the public's loss of trust in political institutions across democracies over the past few decades. Many analysts correlate this development with the democratic backsliding and rise of populism we have been witnessing in recent years, including in established democracies. While many factors account for what is now commonly called the ‘crisis of representative democracy', the rejection of political elites by a growing number of citizens has played a central role in undermining the belief in the democratic project, both as a work in progress and as a universal aspiration. This seminar thus proposes to zero in on the question of ethics – and more particularly of integrity – in the exercise of power by elected officials, and to raise the central question of whether it is ever right to do wrong in politics – and if so, to what end. It is divided into three parts. Drawing on selected texts of political philosophy and political science, it first explores the broad confines of morality, ethics and integrity in politics, and subsequently focuses on the question of lying. In the last three sessions, it examines integrity through empirical cases in contemporary politics. Overall, the seminar invites students to reflect on what conduct we may realistically expect from those who govern us, and on the seemingly inevitable tension – and thin line – between using power to serve oneself and using power to serve the common good.
This seminar aims to encourage students to hone their critical thinking on democratic politics, on the nature of power, on the value of responsibility, accountability and transparency, and on what ethical standards should apply to politicians in office in liberal democracies. More broadly, it seeks to equip students with the knowledge and analytical tools that will allow them to gain, as young citizens, a deeper understanding of the current crisis of democracy.
Corinne MELLUL
Séminaire
English
Spring 2021-2022
A research paper on a topic selected by the student with the instructor's approval (2,800 to 3,000 words), to be turned in at the end of the semester: 40% of the final grade ;
An in-class role-play activity in which two students respond to a practical situation: 20% of the final grade ;
A group journal on political practices observed in ongoing events through the semester, to be turned in at the end of the semester: 30% of the final grade ;
Class participation: 10% of the final grade.
Ciprut, J. V. (ed.). (2009). Ethics, politics and democracy: From primordial principles to prospective practices. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.