Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity

The concept of probity in governance refers to the adherence to high ethical standards and the avoidance of corruption and abuse of power. How this is a crucial element of any system of governance. How can it help to ensure that the actions of those in positions of authority are guided by the public interest, rather than personal gain? Read further to know more.

Probity originates from the Latin word ‘probitas’, meaning good. Probity is confirmed integrity. It is usually regarded as being incorruptible. It is the quality of having strong moral principles and strictly following them, such as honesty, uprightness, transparency, and incorruptibility.

The philosophical basis of probity in governance can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, which emphasized the importance of justice, honesty, and integrity in public life.

The philosopher Aristotle, for example, argued that good governance depended on the virtue and moral character of the rulers and that rulers had a moral obligation to act in the best interests of the community.

In the modern world, probity in governance has become an increasingly important issue, as the temptation for those in positions of power to abuse their authority for personal gain can be significant.

This has led to the development of various mechanisms and practices to promote probities in public life, such as codes of conduct, transparency laws, and independent oversight bodies.

Historical Perspective

The concept of probity in governance has a long and varied history, with roots in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. In these societies, the idea of integrity and honesty in public life was highly valued, and philosophers such as Aristotle argued that good governance depended on the virtue and moral character of the rulers.

Indian scriptures and other treatises, including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Buddha Charita, Arthashastra, Panchatantra, Manusmriti, Kural, Shukra Niti, Kadambari, Raja Tarangani, and Hitopadesh, have extensively addressed the ethical issues of governance. Theoretical dogmas on ethical administration were also offered by Chinese thinkers such Lao Tse, Confucius, and Mencius.

As civilizations developed and became more complex, the need for mechanisms to ensure probity in governance became more pressing.

In the medieval period, for example, the Catholic Church played an important role in promoting ethical standards in public life, through the establishment of moral codes and the use of ex-communication as a means of punishing corrupt officials.

In the modern era, the issue of probity in governance has become increasingly important, as the temptation for those in positions of power to abuse their authority for personal gain can be significant.

This has led to the development of various mechanisms and practices to promote probities in public life, such as codes of conduct, transparency laws, and independent oversight bodies.

One of the most significant developments in the history of probity in governance has been the emergence of democratic systems of government, in which the actions of those in positions of authority are subject to the scrutiny and oversight of the public and the media.

This has helped to ensure that public officials are accountable for their actions and are held to high ethical standards.

Overall, the history of probity in governance reflects a longstanding recognition of the importance of ethical standards in public life, and the need for mechanisms to ensure that those in positions of power act in the best interests of the community.

While the specific practices and mechanisms used to promote probity have evolved over time, the underlying principles have remained largely constant, with a focus on accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.

Philosophical basis of probity in governance

The philosophical foundations of governance and probity refer to the underlying principles and ideas that inform the way a society is governed, with a focus on ethical standards and the avoidance of corruption and abuse of power. These principles can vary widely, but some of the key philosophical foundations of governance and probity include:

1. Social contract theory: The idea that individuals agree to give up some of their rights and freedoms in exchange for the protection and order provided by the state.
2. Rule of law: The principle that the law applies equally to all individuals, regardless of their social status or position of power.
3. Accountability: The requirement that those in positions of authority are answerable to the public for their actions, and can be held to account if they fail to act in a responsible and ethical manner.
4. Transparency: The requirement that the actions of those in positions of authority are open and transparent, and that the public has access to information about how decisions are made and how resources are allocated.
5. Individual rights and freedoms: The belief that individuals should have certain inalienable rights and freedoms, and that the state has a responsibility to protect these rights.
6. Collective ownership: The idea that the means of production should be owned collectively, rather than by private individuals or corporations.
7. Redistribution of wealth: The principle that the state should redistribute wealth in order to promote social and economic equality.
8. Communitarian values: The belief that the needs and interests of the community should take precedence over the rights and freedoms of the individual.
9. Virtue ethics: The idea that good governance depends on the virtue and moral character of the rulers, and that rulers have a moral obligation to act in the best interests of the community.
10. Utilitarianism: The belief that actions and policies should be judged based on their ability to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

These are just a few examples of the many philosophical foundations that have influenced the way societies are governed throughout history. The philosophical basis of governance and probity is a complex and multifaceted topic, with a wide range of ideas and perspectives that have shaped the way societies are governed and governed themselves.

Overall, the philosophical basis of probity in governance is rooted in the belief that those in positions of authority have a moral obligation to act in the best interests of the community, and that they should be held to high ethical standards.

This requires the promotion of principles such as accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, as well as the implementation of specific practices and mechanisms to ensure that these principles are upheld.

Principles of Probity

The Nolan Committee was established in the United Kingdom in 1994 to review standards of conduct in public life, with a focus on probity and integrity in governance.

The committee’s recommendations, which were published in a series of reports between 1995 and 1997, included the identification of seven principles of public life that are designed to promote integrity and trust in the UK’s public institutions. These principles are known as the “Nolan Principles.” This can be read at par with the evolution of the Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity.

1. Selflessness: Public officials should act in the public interest and not for personal gain.
2. Integrity: Public officials should not place themselves in situations where their honesty and impartiality could be called into question.
3. Objectivity: Public officials should base their decisions on evidence and should not allow their personal views to influence their judgment.
4. Accountability: Public officials should be accountable for their actions and should be prepared to justify their decisions.
5. Openness: Public officials should be open and transparent in their actions and should be willing to provide information to the public.
6. Honesty: Public officials should be truthful and honest in their dealings with the public and with their colleagues.
7. Leadership: Public officials should exhibit strong leadership qualities and should strive to set a good example for others to follow.

These principles are intended to provide guidance for the behavior of public officials in the UK and are designed to ensure that those in positions of authority are held to high ethical standards.

The Nolan Principles are widely recognized as an important benchmark for probity in public life and are used as a reference point for assessing the conduct of public officials in the UK.

Why probity in governance is a desired attribute?

Here are five key points that highlight the need for probity in governance:

1. Trust and confidence: Probity in governance is essential for maintaining trust and confidence in the public institutions and those who lead them. When the public perceives that those in positions of authority are acting with integrity and honesty, it helps to foster a sense of trust and confidence in the system as a whole.
2. Fairness: Probity in governance helps to ensure that decisions are made fairly and impartially, rather than being influenced by personal interests or agendas. This is important for promoting a sense of justice and fairness within society.
3. Good governance: Probity in governance is closely linked to the concept of good governance, which refers to the effective and responsible management of a country or organization. When those in positions of authority are held to high ethical standards, it helps to ensure that the governance of a society is effective and efficient.
4. Economic development: Probity in governance can also have a positive impact on economic development. When the public perceives that those in positions of authority are acting with integrity, it can help to create a more favorable business environment and encourage investment.
5. Political stability: Probity in governance is also important for maintaining political stability, as it helps to ensure that those in positions of power are accountable for their actions and are not able to abuse their authority. This can help to prevent social unrest and conflicts within society.

In total, the need for probity in governance is clear. By promoting ethical standards and the avoidance of corruption, we can help to ensure that those in positions of authority are acting in the best interests of the community and that our public institutions are trustworthy and effective.

Conclusion

The lack of corruption is a necessary condition for ensuring probity in government, according to the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution’s (NCRWC, 2002) report on the topic.

The other prerequisites include effective laws, rules, and regulations that cover every facet of public life as well as their effective and fair application.

The NCRWC presented recommendations on how to uphold probity in governance, with a focus on the legal and procedural components of containing the corruption threat. Therefore, a prerequisite for an efficient and effective system of governance as well as for socio-economic growth is probity in governance.

Click here to Read more notes on GS-IV -ETHICS

Article Written By: Jis John Sebastian