Good policy: A balance of economic growth, political power and the analysis of ethical dilemmas is necessary for a happy society. — 123rf.com
Three pillars crucial for more effective and humane policies
Although economic data contains valuable evidence, real-world solutions are often more complex and require a deeper understanding of the issues.
Most policymakers rely on evidence and measurable criteria, or evidence-based policymaking, focusing on the most effective means to achieve specific goals without ideological considerations.
While some decisions may have minimal human impact, others can be life-critical. In such cases, evidence-based policymaking must be carefully evaluated, with a moral and ethical stance becoming essential.
A compelling example of the limitations of policy based solely on data and evidence is the issue of forced migration. Take the zero-tolerance policy implemented in the US, for example.
The 2018 policy had far-reaching repercussions beyond the intended economic benefits. Aimed at criminally prosecuting people crossing the US-Mexico border illegally, the policy resulted in asylum seekers – already in vulnerable situations – being separated from their children, which aggravated their trauma and created even greater uncertainty.
Another example is China’s one-child policy, which was implemented in 1979 and revoked in 2015. This policy was initially introduced to control population growth and address severe poverty and resource scarcity issues. However, it led to a decline in the birth rate, resulting in a shrinking working-age population and slower economic growth.
Both policies illustrate the critical need for ethical considerations in political economy. These examples underscore how political decisions driven by data and economic incentives can have profound and often unintended human consequences.
The importance of a comprehensive understanding of issues through diverse social science perspectives was first recognised by the University of Oxford. In the 1920s, the university pioneered the introduction of a bachelor’s programme linking philosophy, politics and economics (PPE).
This degree intended to prepare citizens for their roles as civil servants in the British Empire. Over time, the programme was also adopted by other prominent universities, such as Yale, Princeton and the London School of Economics. However, this unique programme remains limited in Asian countries.
Today, more than a century later, the interdisciplinary approach of PPE has become increasingly relevant as the world faces more complex decision-making challenges. The programme has gained popularity among students seeking a comprehensive understanding of these three fields before specialising in their higher studies.
The PPE curriculum promotes high-order skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and strategic analysis – often essential for highly valued leadership positions across various sectors. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in government, non-profit organisations, international institutions, business and academia, excelling as policy analysts, consultants, diplomats and strategists.
The three pillars of PPE – philosophy, politics and economics – fit together like a well-matched puzzle, demonstrating that knowledge of each field is crucial for drawing meaningful conclusions from a social science perspective.
While economics provides a systematic approach to understanding resource allocation, incentives, trade-offs, and the impacts of policy implementations on variables like employment and gross domestic product, such knowledge alone may be insufficient when applying evidence in practical scenarios.
This is where political science enhances policymaking by offering a deep understanding of political systems, the role of institutions, and the distribution of power and resources. But even with careful planning and well-thought-out execution, the ethical dimension and human impact are often overlooked.
Philosophy, often seen as abstract and esoteric, addresses profound questions about existence and morality. Viewing an issue or policy through the lens of philosophy is crucial, as neglecting this perspective can hinder societal progress.
However, the misuse of philosophy in decision-making can also be counterproductive due to the field’s abstract nature. For example, Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the “Will to Power” was widely misunderstood and misappropriated. While it intended to explore human potential and self-overcoming, it has been misused historically to justify ideologies of racial superiority and totalitarian control.
Thus, a careful balance of economic growth, political power and the analysis of ethical dilemmas should be key considerations for a just and happy society.
Philosophy provides ethical insights, politics sheds light on governance dynamics, and economics helps analyse resources and incentives. By combining these perspectives, we can ensure that policies are not only data-driven but also ethically sound and contextually relevant, ultimately leading to more effective and humane solutions.
Dr Deboshree Ghosh is the programme director of the Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Hons) at the School of Law and Governance, Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor’s University. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
