Since the dawn of civilisation philosophers and sages alike have been concerned about the potential for government to become a Leviathan-like monster. In this book Professor Drew shows how a careful application of natural law principles can mitigate this threat of Leviathan and also contribute to the flourishing of people.

To do so Natural Law and Government examines the trade-off between human dignity and the common good during the public policy response to COVID-19. Specifically, Professor Drew details his concerns regarding the emergence of concentrations of power and competence in government - changes that have sadly given rise to the repression of the vitality of citizens. This ground-breaking work explains the changes to thinking, institutions and public management that are necessary for people to reclaim their right to thrive as humans. In sum, this is a handbook for what needs to be done after the COVID-19 revolution.

Autorentext

Joseph Drew is Professor of Public Policy and Local Government in the Institute for Public Policy & Governance at the University of Technology Sydney and is also an adjunct professor at Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan. Joseph has over 80 scholarly publications on government, philosophy, economics and finance, located in the best journals from Australia and abroad, and is considered one of the foremost authorities in his field. He has consulted with numerous Australian local governments on accounting, finance and economic matters. Joseph has also been called as an expert witness for multiple Australian State and Federal Government Upper House inquiries into local public finance, as well as working on projects of national significance abroad and delivering keynote addresses to governments abroad. Professor Drew serves on the Editorial Board of Australia's highest ranked public administration journal, the Australian Journal of Public Administration. His recent book - Saving Local Government - came into print January 2022.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Natural Law and Government, or, After the (COVID) Revolution?.- Chapter 2. Human Flourishing.- Chapter 3. Moral Government.- Chapter 4. Sortition - A Partial Defence of Human Dignity.- Chapter 5. Structure, Remit, and Size of Government.- Chapter 6. Evaluating Policy Success: COVID Response and Human Flourishing.- Chapter 7. Funding Moral GovernmentChapter 8. Education.- Chapter 9. Can We Have Government and Human Flourishing?