makaveli

Amidst growing disillusionment with utilitarian policymaking, 2025 is witnessing a surprising resurgence of Aristotelian virtue ethics in political philosophy. Leaders across the ideological spectrum are invoking concepts like phronesis (practical wisdom) and eudaimonia (human flourishing) to counter the transactional nature of modern governance. The European Union’s “Wellbeing Economy” initiative explicitly draws on these classical ideas, prioritizing communal happiness over GDP growth. Even in corporate boardrooms, Aristotelian “golden mean” principles are being applied to balance profit motives with social responsibility.

This philosophical shift responds to contemporary crises. Climate change policies are increasingly framed through the lens of intergenerational justice—a modern interpretation of Aristotle’s “common good.” The mental health epidemic has revived interest in his concept of friendship (philia) as a political virtue, with Scandinavian countries pioneering “social connection” infrastructure. However, critics argue that virtue ethics risks becoming a cover for paternalism, noting how China’s “social credit system” appropriates similar language while enforcing conformity.

The 2025 challenge lies in institutionalizing these ancient ideals. Can virtue be legislated? Singapore’s “Shared Values” white paper offers one model, while Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index provides another. As political theorist Michael Sandel observes, the Aristotelian revival forces us to confront a fundamental question: Should politics aim merely to distribute resources fairly, or to cultivate better citizens? The answer may redefine governance for decades to come.