Applying the Five Types of Ethical Analysis

The first step in policy analysis, then, is to rely on each of the five types of ethical analysis in setting goals. We provide here some brief examples of both consensus and conflict:

• Is democracy good? Each of the five types of analysis suggests that it is (though counterarguments are important within each). Policies that strengthen and expand democracy should thus potentially receive strong public support.

• Should governments combat social injustice? Here arguments from rights and perhaps virtues suggest caution in taxing money from some to aid others. Policy analysts should then strive for policies that give as little offence to proponents of rights or virtues as possible.

At present, policy analysis relies heavily on consequential analysis – cost/benefit analysis is a consequential mode of evaluation, and dominates the policy literature – with some attention being paid to rules (deontology). Not surprisingly, the results of consequential analysis are often judged to be unfair by people who prefer other types of ethical analysis. Note that having recourse to all five types of ethical analysis not only guides the development of policies with wider public appeal but guides policy advocates to appeal publicly to all types of analysis. A policy may in fact serve rights or virtues but if its supporters speak only of consequences they will fail to galvanize public support. Note in this respect that support is not only necessary for a policy to be put in place: policies that lack broad public support will generally work poorly in practice.