eClass ΕΚΠΑ | Ethics for Civil Servants

Ethics for Civil Servants

LEPE4 - Ευάγγελος Πρωτοπαπαδάκης

Course Description

The course examines the concept of the ethics of public officials as a distinct type of professional ethics. Specifically, it analyzes the ethical principles that should be applied in public administration, which constitute the code of ethics for public servants. In this context, it explores why the ethics of public officials differ from those of private employees, whether this differentiation should exist, and what are the fundamental ethical principles that should apply to public officials. Special emphasis is placed on the principles of protecting public interest, impartiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Syllabus
Course Syllabus

I. Ethics of Public Officials

II. Ethical Principles in Public Administration

III. Code of Ethics for Public Officials

IV. Legal Framework for Public Officials

V. Differentiation of Public Officials from Private Employees

VI. Principle of Legitimacy

VII. Protection of Public Interest

VIII. Principle of Impartiality in Public Administration

IX. Principle of Good Governance

X. Principle of Equality

XI. Principle of Administrative Efficiency

XII. Principle of Transparency

XIII. Principle of Justification

XIV. Principle of Prior Hearing

Course Objectives/Goals

• The goal is to familiarize students with the ethical issues concerning public officials. • Students should recognize the different fields of ethics and have an overview of the specific problems faced in the context of public administration, as well as become acquainted with the multiple issues addressed by the ethics of public officials. • Issues related to decision-making processes will be examined both theoretically and interactively. • A study of the origins and final formation of ethical principles and their influence on research, other fields of applied ethics, and particularly on the formation of the framework of duties and rights of public officials will be conducted. • The need for philosophical, especially ethical, training of researchers and scientists will be emphasized so that they can address ethical dilemmas in practice. • Beyond the broader framework of ethics, the specific approach towards public officials imposed by each ethical tradition, namely aristocracy, consequentialism, and deontology, will be analyzed.

Instructional Methods

This course employs a dynamic blend of instructional methods to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. With a focus on engagement and flexibility, the instructional approach comprises 75% face-to-face teaching, fostering direct interaction between instructors and students in a traditional classroom setting. Additionally, 25% of the course involves distant teaching, which can be delivered either synchronously or asynchronously. This remote component allows students to access course materials, participate in discussions, and engage with learning activities at their own pace, leveraging online platforms and resources. By combining face-to-face interaction with remote learning opportunities, the course aims to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, facilitating deeper understanding and collaboration among students while accommodating individual schedules and needs.
Assessment Methods
- 20%: Participation
- 20%: Oral presentation
- 60%: Written assignment
Prerequisites/Prior Knowledge

This module has no prerequisites in the curriculum or prior knowledge requirements.

Instructors

Instructors for the course will be announced shortly.

Textbooks

To be added soon.
Bibliography
- Susan Wakefield, Ethics and the Public Service: A Case for Individual Responsibility, https://doi.org/10.2307/975060, https://www.jstor.org/stable/975060
- Promoting ethical behaviour by EU civil servants: the role of the European Ombudsman Speech - City Bristol - Country United Kingdom - Date 05/05/2011 Speech by P.Nikiforos Diamandouros Jean Monnet Lecture School of Law, University of Bristol, 5 May 2011.
- Vinera Mukhametzhanova, Ethics of Civil Service December 2017RUDN Journal of Philosophy 19(3):346-352, DOI: 10.22363/2313-2302-2017-21-3-346-352