Final answer:
To tackle corruption, ethical theories suggest individual conscience and personal responsibility are the starting points, leading to societal changes. Governments must uphold the rule of law and avoid concentration of power to prevent corruption. John Rawls' theory of justice supports this approach by emphasizing fairness in societal structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the perspective of ethical theory, the development leading to the reduction of corruption should begin with the individual's sense of personal responsibility and conscience. Historical figures and philosophers have emphasized the significant impact one person can have on change and ethical responses to injustice. John Rawls, for instance, saw justice as fairness and urged society to organize its affairs with this principle in mind, which implies that governance and laws should promote equal opportunities, implying that corruption is antithetical to these ideals.
Corruption is often associated with centralized power, which can become corrupt over time. To mitigate this, the rule of law becomes critical. This establishes a framework within which economies can operate, protecting property rights and enabling fair exchanges and investments. If individuals can rely on a just legal system, there's less room for corruption to take hold.
In conclusion, both individuals and governments play a role in ending corruption. Each person must act ethically and advocate for changes that enhance transparency and accountability, while governments must ensure that the rule of law is upheld and power is not centralized to a degree that enables corruption. This synergy between personal and collective action aims to create societies where fairness and justice are the foundations of all operations.