Is a Global Ethics Possible?

Abstract

This article addresses the question: Is a global ethics possible? The authors suggest developing a global ethics is a subject of critical importance to the practice of public administration. Ethics is important in public administration, especially at the international level. However the form and pace of globalization—rapidly changing the very nature of work in both the public and private sectors—are removing many familiar organizational, regional and even cultural norms and ethics. Considering the world’s diversity, is it even logical to assume that a universally accepted global ethics is possible? The authors propose that it is both logical and possible. The article first summarizes the ideas of the most noted scholar on global ethic—Hans Kung. It next presents an abbreviated explanation of the common spiritual wisdom literature, which is built on the five largest religious traditions. The article then applies the Kung criteria set to the spiritual wisdom literature and concludes that it is a viable candidate for being considered a universal global ethics.