Final answer:
Good governance depends on a blend of ethics, citizen engagement, and institutional accountability, not just ethical artifacts. It requires evidence and reason to determine what constitutes good citizenship and effective government, and is a dynamic process that evolves with active public involvement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Good governance involves a complex interplay of ethical considerations, institutional structures, citizen engagement, and practical outcomes that transcend the mere presence of ethical artifacts. Ethical artifacts, while important, do not ensure good governance if they are not underpinned by robust civil institutions, informed citizenry, and systems that hold leaders accountable for their actions. Moreover, good governance is an evolving process that requires ongoing commitment to the general welfare and proactive measures by citizens to ensure that their governments reflect their interests and uphold high standards of morality.
Philosophical discussions on moral principles play a crucial role in defining good governance. Yet, it is insufficient to rely solely on these artifacts as they do not guarantee the practical adherence to ethical standards in governance. Rational debate and evidence, when combined with normative political science, inform the process of defining what constitutes a good citizen and effective government, beyond mere ethical proclamation.
Moreover, the functionality of democracy as a mechanism for good governance is a testament to its overall beneficial consequences as highlighted by theorists like Richard Arneson and Amartya Sen. This suggests that the measurement of good governance is not purely ethical but also consequential in nature. The continual evolution of government and citizenry alike, as emphasized by Kofi Annan, also indicates that governance is a dynamic process requiring ongoing vigilance and participation rather than a static set of rules or principles.
Ultimately, good governance is characterized by a more comprehensive approach that includes ethical considerations, but also encompasses practical, systemic, and societal factors.