Perspectivas de la etica civil. Valores democraticos y virtudes civicas

Abstract

The paper starts with focusing on three forms in which ‘Civil Ethics’ can be considered, according to whether we approach it from the minimum Ethics common to the citizens, or universal rights, or the ethical backbone of civil society. Subsequently, the paper examines historical reasons that account for the imposition of the above mentioned. Which would there be the most suitable one? If civil freedom and equality are to be ethical and metaphysical mainstays of democratic values, the article shows the weakness of the first two approaches. As the third one is concerned, it seems to be fruitful insofar as democratic values are accompanied by civic virtues, which are the only ones that can make them effective. The article is concluded with an analysis of the virtues of responsibility, strength, and prudence with the particular connotation that they have in the realm of public life.