Why do virtuous individuals accept and promote unethical institutions?

Authors

  • Dr Shann Turnbull International Institute for Self-governance

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54337/ojs.bess.v6i1.8719

Keywords:

Distributed decision-making, ethical blindness, groupthink, intellectual colonisation, self-governance

Abstract

This article defines ethical blindness when considering why otherwise virtuous individuals accept unethical institutional practices. It occurs when individuals possessing organisational power over others promote their self-interests to inhibit or deny promoting the common good. Systems science provides a solution for ethical blindness. It explains why living things possess distributed decision-making to maintain a self-governing existence. Checks and balances are introduced to avoid dysfunctional "group think" or intellectual colonisation. Several Australian case studies are presented. A solution that also improves the wellbeing of all citizens by reducing inequality creates a compelling incentive for politicians to act.

Turnbull 2024 cover image

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Published

09-08-2024