Integrating Virtue Ethics into Public Management to Guide Moral Behaviour from a Metaethical Perspective

Abstract

Based on a metaethical vision, this study aims to analyse the revival of virtue ethics in modern moral philosophy and its critique of deontology and utilitarianism, with particular attention to their limitations in ignoring human emotions and social attributes. The research questions focused on exploring how virtue ethics responds to the shortcomings of modern moral philosophy, highlighting the central role of emotions in moral behaviour and the reasonableness of virtue as a code of conduct. The researchers employed a qualitative method of literature analysis to systematically review the historical background of virtue ethics and its major schools of thought, including neo-Aristotelianism, emotionalism, and pluralism. The study's findings suggest that virtue ethics emphasises the value of emotions and noble qualities in moral behaviours, providing a new perspective on moral education and demonstrating the strong connection between virtues, emotions and moral behaviour. Future research should further explore the applicability of virtue ethics in different cultural contexts and its value to moral education, and it is suggested that the strengths of other types of ethical theories should be incorporated into virtue ethics to form a more comprehensive theoretical ethical framework. Researchers have also emphasised the importance of integrating virtue ethics into government governance and public management practices. This not only promotes the development of moral emotions and personal qualities within individuals but also enhances the credibility of government and social institutions, providing meaningful solutions to the moral dilemmas encountered in public governance practices.