Regarding the question of whether politics (administration, economy, etc.) is ethical, the answer is neither easy nor simple. Of course, one might say, could it be otherwise? If politics (administration, economy, etc.) are not at least somewhat "ethical," what kind of barbarity awaits humanity and political societies? Agreed, another might argue, but politics in "practice" is a harsh matter, and this is something theory cannot ignore. Perhaps sometimes those in power need to have their hands unclean, to do the "dirty work." Thus, ethics and politics are different, theory and practice are different, ideas and their applications are different. Anyone who does not see this distinction is probably not a realist. They are impractical and gravely mistaken.
However, is it necessary to definitively separate politics from ethical issues? Then what is the cost, what are the consequences for society's life? If practice strays far from ideas, principles, and values, if these are driven away from the forefront as disturbing presences, becoming inaccessible and invisible to people, does political action and process become excessively impoverished in content and value? And on which issues should political leadership focus its attention? Simple management or normative change and harmony? Under what conditions can it fulfill its role and mission, which is to serve society as a whole and not merely the interests of a certain class, social group, or "elite"? What do major philosophers and thinkers, from the time of Plato and Aristotle to the modern era, say and assess on these matters?
The arguments and thoughts developed in the pages of this book and its 4th edition are dedicated to these and other related issues.
