Power and Ethics

Machiavelli argued that it is 'necessary for a prince, who wishes to maintain himself, to learn how not to be good, and to use this knowledge and not use it, according to the necessity of the case'.  In a similar vein, philosopher Harriet Taylor Mill argued that 'power makes itself the centre of moral obligation'.  What is the nature of such power?  Can there be a complementary relationship between power and ethics, or are these concepts inimical to each other?  Is ethical judgement drawn from an external set of values, or from an internal compass, formed through life experience and sensibility, and ultimately defined by each individual?  Is power appropriately mediated by ethical considerations in public life in Australia?

Power & Ethics is designed to enhance participants' knowledge, skills, understanding and disposition towards ethical judgement.