Final answer:
Public spirit is a virtue that public servants must exhibit, involving acting for the interests of the community over self-interest or popularity. This concept derives from virtue ethics, emphasizing the cultivation of character traits like bravery, integrity, and humility. The presence of public spirit ensures that decisions aim to serve the common good and uphold social justice, even in the face of adversity or unpopularity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The notion of virtue ethics, as discussed by Professor Carol Lewis, revolves around the idea that public servants must act with a sense of public spirit. Public spirit, as described in these texts, is a virtue that entails considering the interests of others when making decisions, instead of focusing solely on self-interest or popularity. It aligns with the broader understanding that virtue ethics is character-centered, pointing to the idea that right actions flow from good character traits or dispositions, such as bravery, integrity, and humility. Public servants, according to political philosophy, should voluntarily choose the virtuous state, engage in self-reflection, and perform actions consistent with social justice and the common good.
In practicing public spirit, public servants may face dilemmas when the right course of action is unpopular. However, by upholding principles such as integrity and humility, they can navigate through these challenges. This virtue ensures that civil servants act not just as bureaucrats but as guardians of the public interest, reflecting on their duty, making informed decisions, and continuously striving to foster a morally sound and just society.