Aristotle's Virtues of Justice, Liberality, and Friendship and How they Reduce the Problems of Global Governance and Contribute Positively to its Goals

Abstract

This Project focuses on the intersection between Virtue Ethics and Global Governance. Virtue Ethics focuses on the character and actions of those in power, specifically in the administration of moral and intellectual virtues. Global governance addresses the problems of authority, legitimation, and contestation, as seen from the perspective of author Michael Zürn. In the primary text, Zürn argues for the existence of such issues as legitimation, contestation, fragmentation, and politicization. The virtues of justice, friendship, and generosity can alleviate each of these problems. Through genuine friendship, not driven by self-interest, the problems associated with certain authority relationships are alleviated. Justice seeks to mitigate the issues of a lack of a shared social purpose in legitimation narratives. Generosity in aiming to give to the right sources alleviates the problems of social capital and trade regulations. Each of these virtues contributes to the primary goal of the project, which is to enhance the common good and promote human flourishing within the governance system.