ABSTRACT

This chapter offers a conceptual map of the field of public policy ethics (EPP). It distinguishes between two types of EPP, according to their treatment of the phenomenon of moral disagreement as instantiated in questions of public policy. According to the first type, one’s moral stance on morally controversial policies needs to be ultimately derived from a foundational ethical theory that solves the problem of moral disagreement. According to the second type, one’s moral position on policy matters is formed independently of the recommendations given by any one particular foundational theory. I call the first type applied EPP and the second one constructive EPP. I further argue that an adequate appreciation of the distinction between these two types can help us tackle some of the standard objections raised against EPP.