Sandel and Steare may sound like two characters out of a ‘70s cop series. Instead, here are two philosophers both demanding a fundamental re-appraisal of the old hierarchies and the rules by which we let ourselves be governed.
I have posted before on Roger Steare’s ‘Ethicability‘ and the ascendancy from a childish ethos of Rule Compliance, through to more adult behaviours of Social and Principled Conscience. I used to consider myself a utilitarian (with a fundamental liberal belief in the greater good) but now I am not so sure. Increasingly, it seems that utilitarianism is offering those in authority a convenient smokescreen behind which poor decisions can be made. The tougher choices are those which demand real considerations of moral principle – and therefore courage.
In the 2009 Reith Lectures, Professor Michael Sandel observes prospects for the Common Good and calls for a New Citizenship. Much of what he says chimes with the central tenet of Citizen Renaissance – namely a prevailing confusion between consumer and civic values and the urgent need for a reversal that places ‘civic’ ahead of ‘consumer’. Sandel calls for a richer and more morally courageous public discourse to question what a good life should really look like. In so doing, he is challenging some of the rule-based dogma that has exacerbated many of the crises we currently face – economic, political and, of course, environmental.
We are witnessing leadership vacuums of historic proportions – the result of following the rules of increasingly discredited hierarchical systems in both business and politics. How often have we heard, in recent weeks, that MPs were ‘within the rules’ outlined by the Fees Office – whether in attempting to buy giant plasma screen TVs or flip their first and second homes for personal, financial gain? How many among the political leadership of Britain had the moral courage to question the rules in the first instance, rather than lamely accepting that they existed for the common good? In Business, we see limited courage within the rules of what is deemed to be legal and compliant, rather than a willingness to assert true, moral leadership in moving beyond prevailing models which can, in turn, step-change us towards a low carbon future.
Gordon Brown now clings to power within the rules of a faded and failing constitution. Bereft of both political and moral authority, the courageous decision – even one which consigns his Premiership to recognized failure and his party to extended opposition – would be to call an election and to allow an open and important debate on the shape and substance of democracy in Britain, today and tomorrow. In so doing, he could even assert a new leadership of sorts – and encourage, as Sandel does, a fundamental re-appraisal of our citizen values. Britain needs to look at itself now, as many Americans looked at themselves last autumn. We need leadership that speaks to the values of principle, not the opportunism of politics. The opportunity cost is the further rise of the BNP and ‘Others’.
Brown’s almost comic call for ‘Constitutional Renewal’ – in the best traditions of Private Eye – is matched in its moral flimsiness by Cameron’s pledge of ‘People Power’ (without any mention of Lords reform or the Monarchy). Power can be restored to the people – but only as long as it allows the political class to cling shamelessly to power. There is no real moral courage in either claim; no deep questions asked. If the old Pyramids of Authority have collapsed, here are two men trying to re-work the rules to their advantage within an anachronistic system.
Sandel’s thoughts on the role of the market within civic freedom are fascinating and deserve deep contemplation. Consumer and market values can undercut both civic freedom and, as we have seen, cause environmental meltdown. Self-interest – whether in business or in politics – cannot march unimpeded. What is needed now is precisely the richer and more morally courageous public discourse outlined by Sandel. Ordinary citizens must engage with questions on what is right and wrong within the context of a better, happier and more responsible life and society.
The emergence of organizations such as 38 Degrees is a vital first step in broadening citizen involvement. Let us now have a free market of ideas for a citizen-led revolution; because the old economy thinking is leading us nowhere but down.
