New development: What is the meaning of philosophy for local government officers?

ABSTRACT

This article reflects on how the philosophical foundations of public administration and the practice of local government can be linked together. Informed by Ongaro, E. (2017. Philosophy and public administration: An introduction. Edward Elgar), the relationship between philosophy and public administration is considered, followed by a discussion of what this means for local government. Virtue ethics and utilitarianism are applied to two current examples of local government practice. The article ends by detailing key points for the future relationship between philosophy and local government.

IMPACT

This article makes a case for staff in local and central government to have knowledge of philosophy.

KEYWORDS:

• Local government
• philosophy
• public administration

Notes

* https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/12/early-years-cuts-pushing-more-children-into-care-in-england