Ethics and Social Critique Evaluation

7/23/2019 Ethics and Social Critique Evaluation

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/ethics-and-social-critique-evaluation 1/11

ETHICS AND SOCIAL CRITIQUE. EVALUATION OF PRACTICAL ARGUMENTS IN

POLITICAL DISCOURSE

ISABELA FAIRCLOUGH (University ! Centr"# L"n$"s%ire&

NORMAN FAIRCLOUGH (University ! L"n$"ster&

ABSTRACT

T%is '"'er i##str"tes %) t%e 'ssi*i#ities !r nr+"tive s$i"# $riti,e !r+ " $riti$"# -is$rse

"n"#yti$"# 'ers'e$tive "re s*st"ntive#y en%"n$e- *y -r")in/ n "r/+ent"tin t%ery. 0e "-v$"te

vie)in/ '#iti$"# -is$rse "s 'ri+"ri#y "r/+ent"tive -is$rse1 "n- "s ty'i$"##y inv#vin/ 'r"$ti$"#

"r/+ents1 "r/+ents "*t )%"t t -. 0e -is$ss t) -istin$t $"ses ! r"tin"#i2"tin1 s%)in/ in

)%"t )"y t%ey "re -e!e$tive1 nre"sn"*#e "r/+ents1 "n- )e in-i$"te in )%"t )"y $riti$"#

,estinin/ ! s$% "r/+ents inv#ves et%i$"# ,estins3 ,estins ! sin$erity "n- -e$e'tin1 n t%ene %"n-1 "n-1 n t%e t%er %"n-1 ,estins %"vin/ t - )it% t%e r"tin"# "$$e't"*i#ity ! t%e v"#es

t%"t in!r+ "$tin "n- t%eir re#"tins%i' t t%e t%er 're+ises ! t%e "r/+ent "n- its $n$#sin.

In t%is '"'er )e s%"## "''r"$% t%e $n!eren$e t%e+e ! et%i$"# ,estinin/ ! -is$rse *y -r")in/

n r re$ent )r4 n '#iti$"# -is$rse51 )%i$% *rin/s t/et%er $riti$"# -is$rse "n"#ysis (CDA&61

n t%e ne %"n-1 "n- "r/+ent"tin t%ery1 n t%e t%er. 0e st"rt !r+ " vie) ! '#iti$s in )%i$%

-e#i*er"tin1 -e$isin "n- "$tin "re $r$i"# $n$e'ts. P#iti$s is "*t "rrivin/ $'er"tive#y "t

-e$isins "*t )%"t t - in t%e $nte7t ! -is"/ree+ent1 $n!#i$t ! interests "n- v"#es1 ')er

ine,"#ities1 n$ert"inty "n- ris4. T%is 'r$ess is essenti"##y "r/+ent"tive in n"tre "n- inv#ves t%e

'r-$tin ! practical arguments1 "s )e## "s " 'r$ess ! )ei/%in/ 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ents "/"inst e"$%

t%er1 i.e. deliberation. Or "''r"$% is nr+"tive "s )e## "s -es$ri'tive1 "n- )e see t%e ev"#"tin !

'r"$ti$"# "r/+ent"tin "s " *ri-/e *et)een t%e $n$erns ! "r/+ent"tin t%ery "n- "n"#ysis "n- t%e$n$erns ! CDA )it% v"ris !r+s ! $riti,e ! -is$rse. 0e %"ve -eve#'e- r "''r"$% in

st-yin/ "n- "n"#ysin/ Britis% '#iti$"# res'nses t t%e $rrent !in"n$i"# "n- e$n+i$ $risis.

CDA "i+s t e7ten- !r+s ! $riti,e !"+i#i"r in $riti$"# s$i"# s$ien$e t -is$rse. 0e see

"r/+ent"tin t%ery "n- "n"#ysis "s 'tenti"##y in$re"sin/ t%e $"'"$ity ! CDA t 'rse t%is "i+. A

$n$ern ! $riti$"# s$i"# "n"#ysts is t investi/"te %) t%e '#iti$"# ,estin ! )%"t is t *e -ne is

"--resse-1 %) "n- )%y $ert"in "ns)ers t t%"t ,estin1 $ert"in $%i$es ! %) t "$t1 $ert"in

str"te/ies !r res'n-in/1 !r e7"+'#e1 t t%e $rrent $risis $+e t 'rev"i# ver t%ers. T%is t"4es

"$$nt ! %) t%e "$tins "n- str"te/ies ! s$i"# "/ents1 "s )e## "s t%e n"tre "n- ten-en$ies !

e7istin/ s$i"# str$tres1 instittins1 re#"tins ! ')er *e"r 'n s$% t$+es. In r ne) *4

)e $nsi-er %) t%e "n"#ysis "n- ev"#"tin ! "r/+ents re#"tes t "n- +"y $ntri*te t t) !r+s

! s$i"# $riti,e1 nr+"tive $riti,e "n- e7'#"n"try $riti,e. In t%is '"'er )e )i## !$s n

nr+"tive $riti,e "n- s%) %) *t% "r/+ent ev"#"tin "n- s$i"# $riti,e re#"te t et%i$"#,estinin/.

5. T%e str$tre ! 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ents

Pr"$ti$"# "r/+ents "re "r/+ents "*t )%"t s%#- *e -ne1 "s ''se- t "r/+ents "*t

)%"t t%e $"se is. T%e $n$#sin ! " 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ent is " nr+"tive r 'res$ri'tive st"te+ent1

s"yin/ t%"t "n "/ent /%t t 'er!r+ "n "$tin1 r t%"t t%e "$tin in ,estin is re$++en-e-. T%e

str$tre ! 'r"$ti$"# re"snin/ t%"t )e s//est is t%e !##)in/ (Fi/re 5&. T%e %y't%esis t%"t "$tin

A +i/%t en"*#e t%e "/ent t re"$% %is /"#s (G&1 st"rtin/ !r+ %is $ir$+st"n$es (C&1 "n- in "$$r-"n$e

)it% $ert"in v"#es (V&1 #e"-s t t%e 'res+'tive $#"i+ t%"t %e /%t t - A. It is !ten t%e $"se t%"t

t%e $nte7t ! "$tin is seen "s " 'r*#e+ ("n- is ne/"tive#y ev"#"te- in vie) ! t%e "/ent8s e7istin/v"#es r $n$erns& "n- t%e "$tin is seen "s t%e s#tin t%"t )i## s#ve t%e 'r*#e+.

1 FAIRCLOUGH AND FAIRCLOUGH 2011, 2012.2 FAIRCLOUGH 1989, 1992, 2000a, 2003, 2006, 2010.



Fi/re 5

In r vie)1 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ents t"4e circumstances "n- goals "s 're+ises. A/ents $+*ine

4n)#e-/e ! t%eir $ir$+st"n$es "n- ! t%eir /"#s )it% " 'res+'tive +e"nsen- re#"tin t%"t +i/%t

t"4e t%e+ !r+ t%e $ir$+st"n$es t%ey "re in t t%e !tre st"te ! "!!"irs )%i$% is t%eir /"#. A/ents

$%se $ert"in "$tins ver t%ers nt 9st in vie) ! t%eir /"#s1 *t "#s *e$"se t%ey !in- t%e+se#ves

in '"rti$#"r $ir$+st"n$es "n- nt t%ers. T%e $nte7t ! "$tin restri$ts t%e r"n/e ! "$tins t%"t $"n

*e t%/%t ! "n- t%e $%i$es t%"t $"n *e +"-e. T%e "$tin t%"t e+er/es "s ('res+"*#y& t%e ri/%t

"$tin1 is s''se- t tr"ns!r+ t%e 'resent set ! $ir$+st"n$es s t%"t t%ey +"t$% t%e "/ent8s /"#1)%i$% is itse#! in!r+e- *y t%e "/ent8s v"#es (eit%er %is "$t"# v"#es r t%e v"#es %e : r s+e t%er

"r/er : t%in4s %e /%t t %"ve&. T%s1 $rrent $ir$+st"n$es )i## *e *r/%t +re in #ine1 s t

s'e"41 )it% t%e sr$e ! nr+"tivity t%"t n-er#ies t%e "$tin.

Fr+ " dialectical 'ers'e$tive1 )%i$% )e "-'t1 "r/+ent"tin is " dialogical e7$%"n/e !

+ves *et)een t) r +re inter#$trs. Ar/+ent"tin inv#ves -i"#/e *e$"se it "#)"ys "rises

in res'nse t s+e -i!!eren$e ! 'inin1 s+e e7'resse- r "nti$i'"te- -*t r $riti$is+. Fr

'r"/+"-i"#e$ti$s1 "s -eve#'e- *y v"n Ee+eren1 t%e nr+"tive goal ! t%is -i"#/e is t%e resolution

of a difference of opinion in a reasonable )"y1 r on the merits1 "n- "r/+ent"tin is *est n-erst-

"s " procedure !r testin/ t%e "$$e't"*i#ity ! " st"n-'int in #i/%t ! $riti$"# ,estinin/. ; Ot%er

-i"#e$ti$"# t%eries "re "#s *"se- n t%e vie) t%"t "r/+ent"tin t"4es t%e !r+ ! " -i"#/e "n- %"s

" $riti$"# !n$tin. A$$r-in/ t 0"#tn1 " -i"#/e is " ty'e ! /"#-ire$te- $nvers"tin in )%i$%

(+ini+"##y& t) 'e'#e "re '"rti$i'"tin/ *y t"4in/ trns< "n "r/+ent"tive -i"#/e is " =$nne$te-se,en$e ! +ves8 (s'ee$% "$ts& in )%i$% '"rti$i'"nts "s4 "n- "ns)er $riti$"# ,estins in r-er t

test t%e (tent"tive1 'rvisin"#& "$$e't"*i#ity ! " $#"i+ "ns- t%s res#ve " -i!!eren$e ! 'inin.>

0"#tn "tt"$%es " set ! $riti$"# ,estins t every "r/+ent"tin s$%e+e. T%e 'r"$ti$"# re"snin/

s$%e+" $"n *e ev"#"te- *y "s4in/ t%e !##)in/ set ! $riti$"# ,estins3

• 0%"t t%er /"#s -es t%e "/ent %"ve t%"t +i/%t $n!#i$t )it% %is /"# G?

• H) )e## is t%e /"# s''rte- *y (r "t #e"st $nsistent )it%& t%e "/ent8s v"#es?

• 0%"t "#tern"tive $rses ! "$tin "'"rt !r+ t%e ne "-v$"te- t%"t )#- "#s #e"- t t%e

/"# s%#- *e $nsi-ere-?

3 VAN EEMEREN AND GROOTENDORST 5@@61 6>1 VAN EEMEREN 65.

4 WALTON 2006, p. 2.

2



• A+n/ t%ese "#tern"tives1 )%i$% is t%e *est in #i/%t ! $nsi-er"tins ! e!!i$ien$y in *rin/in/

"*t G?

• A+n/ t%ese "#tern"tives1 )%i$% is t%e *est in #i/%t ! t%e "/ent8s v"#es?

• 0%"t /rn-s "re t%ere !r "r/in/ t%"t is it 'r"$ti$"##y 'ssi*#e t - t%e "$tin in t%e

sit"tin?

• 0%"t ne/"tive $nse,en$es ! t%e "$tin t%"t +i/%t %"ve even /re"ter ne/"tive v"#e t%"n t%e 'sitive v"#e ! G s%#- *e t"4en int "$$nt?

A$$r-in/ t 0"#tn1 'r"$ti$"# re"snin/ is in%erent#y -e!e"si*#e. In $n-itins ! in$+'#ete

in!r+"tin1 n$ert"inty "n- ris41 "/ents "re !r$e- t / "%e"- )it% " -e!e"si*#e #ine ! "$tin "n- "re

s"##y 're'"re- t +-i!y it in #i/%t ! e+er/in/ $nse,en$es r i! t%e $nte7t ! "$tin $%"n/es.

T%e $n$#sin ! " 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ent is in%erent#y s*9e$t t revisin "s ne) in!r+"tin $+es in1

e./.1 i! t%e "$tin +is!ires in s+e )"y1 i! t%e "/ent *e$+es ")"re ! v"#e $n!#i$ts1 r ! $n!#i$t

)it% t%er /"#s %e is 'rsin/ r )it% t%er "/ents8 /"#s. Criti$"# ,estins in-i$"te v"ris 'ssi*#e

'r*#e+s )it% t%e "r/+ent. T%ere "re "t #e"st t) +"in )"ys ! $%"##en/in/ "n "r/+ent1 "$$r-in/

t 0"#tn3 ne is =t "s4 ,estins t%"t r"ise -*ts "*t t%e "r/+ent81 "n- t%e t%er is ='resent "

re*tt"# r $nter"r/+ent81 )%i$% is " strn/er !r+ ! "tt"$4. In r vie)1 t%is #"tter ty'e !

$%"##en/e ty'i$"##y inv#ves inv4in/ negative consequences ! t%e 'r'se- "$tin "n- s%)in/ t%"tt%ey n-er+ine t%e st"te- /"#s "n- v"#es ! t%e "$tin1 r t%er /"#s "n- v"#es t%"t s%#- nt *e

n-er+ine-1 %en$e not -in/ t%e "$tin1 r re!r"inin/ !r+ "$tin1 is +re re"sn"*#e t%"n /in/

"%e"- )it% it.

I! 'r"$ti$"# re"snin/ is in%erent#y -e!e"si*#e "n- 'res+'tive1 t%en " 'r"$ti$"# $#"i+ !r

"$tin $"n n#y *e "-v"n$e- tent"tive#y. T%e re"sn"*#eness ! " 'r's"# !r "$tin $"n "#)"ys *e

t%r)n int -*t n t%e *"sis ! !rt%er in!r+"tin3 $ir$+st"n$es $%"n/e1 "/ents re"#i2e t%ey nee-

t t"4e t%er /"#s "n- v"#es int "$$nt1 r t%ey re"#i2e t%e "$tin )i## %"ve n!reseen "n-

n-esir"*#e $nse,en$es. O! $rse1 'r"$ti$"# $#"i+s "re !ten "-v"n$e- )it% /re"t $ert"inty1 *t t%ey

$#- #e"- t " $n$#sin t%"t is $ert"in n#y i! )e %"- "## t%e re#ev"nt !"$ts1 "n- n#y i! t%ere )ere n

'ssi*#e $n!#i$ts ! /"#s r v"#es "n- )e $#- s"tis!y rse#ves t%"t "## 'ssi*#e $nsi-er"tins

'inte- 9st ne )"y. S$% s$en"ris - nt !ten $$r in every-"y $ir$+st"n$es. H)ever1 t s"y

t%"t 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ents "re in 'rin$i'#e -e!e"si*#e -es nt +e"n t%ey "re in%erent#y r "#)"ys )e"4.

A 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ent $"n *e " re"sn"*#e "n- strn/ "r/+ent1 "n- "$$e't"n$e ! t%e 're+ises $"n

!!er " /- re"sn !r "$$e'tin/ t%e $n$#sin )%en t%e $#"i+ %"s e+er/e- !r+ " 'r$ess ! $riti$"#

,estinin/. T%e 'r"$ti$"# r"tin"#ity ! -in/ t%e "$tin $"n nevert%e#ess *e n-er+ine- *y t%e

"r/er8s !"i#re t "ns)er $riti$"# ,estins in " s"tis!"$try +"nner1 i.e. *y t%e "r/+ent8s !"i#re t

)it%st"n- syste+"ti$ $riti$is+ ! t%e 're+ises "n- t%e $#"i+. T%is ,estinin/ is +st *vis#y

ethical in n"tre )%en )%"t is in !$s is t%e "r/+ent8s value 're+ise3 its r"tin"# "$$e't"*i#ity1 n

t%e ne %"n-1 "n- t%e )"y in )%i$% it is re#"te- t t%e t%er 're+ises "n- t%e $#"i+ n t%e t%er %"n-.

6. Nr+"tive "n- e7'#"n"try $riti,e in CDA

Criti$"# s$i"# "n"#ysis in$#-es $riti,e ! '"rti$#"r "re"s r "s'e$ts ! s$i"# #i!e. 0e s%"## !$s

'n t) !n-"+ent"# $%"r"$teristi$s ! $riti$"# s$i"# "n"#ysis : it is normative1 i.e. it ev"#"tes s$i"#

*e#ie!s "n- 'r"$ti$es "s tre r !"#se1 *ene!i$i"# r %"r+!# et$.1 "n- it is explanatory : "n- )e )i##

-istin/is% t%ere!re nr+"tive $riti,e "n- e7'#"n"try $riti,e. Nr+"tive $riti,e ev"#"tes s$i"#

re"#ities "/"inst " st"n-"r- ! '*#i$#y re$/ni2e- v"#es1 !r inst"n$e "/"inst " set ! v"#es t%"t

-e!ine %+"n )e##*ein/. E7'#"n"try $riti,e see4s t e7'#"in )%y s$i"# re"#ities "re "s t%ey "re1

"n- %) t%ey "re sst"ine- r $%"n/e-. Bt% ty'es ! $riti,e "re ne$ess"ry in $riti$"# s$i"# rese"r$%1

)%i$% st"rts !r+ 9-/+ents t%"t t%e s$iety r "s'e$t ! s$i"# #i!e in !$s is si/ni!i$"nt#y *t

"vi-"*#y -"+"/in/ t %+"n )e##*ein/ in '"rti$#"r res'e$ts. Bt )%i#e nr+"tive $riti,e is

-ire$t#y $n$erne- )it% s$% 9-/e+ents in ev"#"tin/ *e%"vir1 "$tins "n- s$i"# 'r"$ti$es "s1 !r

5 0ALTON 61 ''. 665666.

6 WALTON 2006, p. 27.7 FAIRCLOUGH AND FAIRCLOUGH 2012, pp. 62-68.

3



e7"+'#e1 9st r n9st1 !"ir r e7'#it"tive1 r"$ist r nnr"$ist1 se7ist r nnse7ist1 e7'#"n"try

$riti,e see4s t e7'#"in1 !r e7"+'#e1 )%y "n- %) e7istin/ s$i"# re"#ities en-re -es'ite t%eir

-"+"/in/ e!!e$ts. E7'#"n"try $riti,e see4s n-erst"n-in/ ! )%"t +"4es " /iven s$i"# r-er )r41

)%i$% is $#e"r#y ne$ess"ry i! it is t *e $%"n/e- in r-er t en%"n$e %+"n )e##*ein/. Ant%er "i+ !

$riti$"# s$i"# s$ien$e is t i-enti!y )%"t +i/%t !"$i#it"te s$% $%"n/e "s )e## "s *str$t it.

0e "--ress *t% nr+"tive "n- e7'#"n"try $riti,e in -et"i# in r *41 "n- in-i$"te t%e )"y in

)%i$% !$sin/ n "n"#ysis "n- ev"#"tin ! "r/+ents $"n en%"n$e s$% $riti,e. In t%is '"'er )e

'r'se t -e"# )it% nr+"tive $riti,e n#y1 "n- +re s'e$i!i$"##y )it% t) et%i$"# isses 3 ("&

+"ni'#"tin in -is$rse "n- (*& t%e ,estin ! v"#es "n- t%eir re#"tin t "$tin.

;. An "r/+ent"tive 'ers'e$tive n +"ni'#"tin

M"ni'#"tin $"n *e seen "s "n isse in ev"#"tin ! "r/+ents "n- "t t%e s"+e ti+e "s "n *9e$t

! nr+"tive s$i"# $riti,e. A$$r-in/ t v"n Ee+eren1 =+"ni'#"tin in -is$rse *i#s -)n t

intentin"##y -e$eivin/ ne8s "--ressees *y 'ers"-in/ t%e+ ! s+et%in/ t%"t is !re+st in ne8s

)n interest t%r/% t%e $vert se ! $++ni$"tive -evi$es t%"t "re nt in "/ree+ent )it% /ener"##y

"$4n)#e-/e- $riti$"# st"n-"r-s ! re"sn"*#eness8. 0e "/ree )it% v"n Ee+eren t%"t +"ni'#"tin is

="#)"ys intentin"# "n- "#)"ys $vert8 "n- t%"t t%e "r/er is vi#"tin/ t%e sincerity (res'nsi*i#ity&

$n-itin ! t%e s'ee$% "$t ! "r/+ent"tin3 " 'r'sitin is 'resente- "s "n "$$e't"*#e 9sti!i$"tin

! " $#"i+ )%i#e t%e "r/er -es nt re"##y believe t%"t it $nstittes "n "$$e't"*#e 9sti!i$"tin.

One !r+ ! +"ni'#"tin is rationalization1 " -e$e'tive "r/+ent "--resse- *y A-i !r+ "n

e'iste+#/i$"# 'ers'e$tive@. A-i s%)s n )%"t /rn-s )e +"y $%"r"$teri2e "n inst"n$e !

'r"$ti$"# re"snin/ "s " r"tin"#i2"tin "n- )%y s$% "n "r/+ent !"i#s t +eet nr+"tive $riteri" !r

/- "r/+ent"tin. In " r"tin"#i2"tin1 t%e re"sns t%"t "re stensi*#y !!ere- in s''rt ! " $#"i+

"re not t%e re"sns t%"t s''rt t%e $#"i+ !r+ t%e vie)'int ! t%e "r/er3 t%e "r/er *e#ieves t%e

$#"i+ !r other re"sns. R"tin"#i2"tins $"n *e !"ir#y /- "r/+ents )%en $nsi-ere- !r+ "n

tsi-e1 t%ir- 'ersn 'ers'e$tive "n- )it%t "ny 4n)#e-/e ! t%e )i-er $nte7t ! "r/+ent"tin

"n- -e*"te. T%is is )%y t%ey $"n *e 'ers"sive "n- "$%ieve t%eir -e$e'tive intent. O!ten1 t%e $#"i+ $"n

*e v"#i-#y in!erre- !r+ t%e 're+ises "n-1 i! t%e 're+ises "re "$$e't"*#e1 t%e "r/+ent )i## *e sn-.T%e 'r*#e+ is e'iste+i$3 !r+ t%e vie)'int ! t%e "r/er1 t%e st"te- 're+ises - nt s''rt t%e

$#"i+. T%e "r/er knows t%"t %is $++it+ent t t%e $#"i+ is *"se- n other re"sns1 n $vert

re"sns. For him1 t%e $#"i+ is nt in!er"*#e !r+ t%e 're+ises1 "#t%/% it +i/%t see+ in!er"*#e !r "n

"-ien$e. A-i8s tre"t+ent ! r"tin"#i2"tin is $+'"ti*#e )it% t%e 'r"/+"-i"#e$ti$"# s'ee$% "$t

"''r"$% t +"ni'#"tin )%i$% )e %"ve re!erre- t "*ve1 "s t%ey *t% !$s n vi#"tins !

sincerity ("n-1 i+'#i$it#y1 n t%e vi#"tin ! " constitutive $n-itin ! s'ee$% "$ts&1 "s )e## "s )it%

H"*er+"s8s5 vie) ! sin$erity "s " presupposition ! r"tin"# -is$rse.

A /- e7"+'#e ! r"tin"#i2"tin )"s t%e 9sti!i$"tin! t%e Ir", 0"r ! 6;1 *y t%e U "n- US

/vern+ents1 n t%e /rn-s ! "n "##e/e-#y )e##-$+ente- *e#ie! t%"t Ir", %"- )e"'ns ! +"ss

-estr$tin (0MDs&1 t%"t it 'se- " t%re"t t t%e )r#- t%r/% its $nne$tins t /#*"# terrris+1 "s

)e## "s n t%e *"sis ! "n "##e/e- -esire t *rin/ -e+$r"$y "n- !ree-+ t t%e Ir",i 'e'#e *y !reein/

t%e+ !r+ "n ''ressive -i$t"trs%i'. T%ese re"sns )ere 't !r)"r- *y t%e B#"ir "n- Bs%"-+inistr"tins "s good re"sns1 s!!i$ient t +"4e t%e $"se !r )"r. T%ey )ere !ten "sserte- t/et%er

in +#ti'#e "r/+ent"tin1 i.e. e"$% re"sn )"s -ee+e- t *e in itse#! s!!i$ient t 9sti!y t%e $#"i+ !r

"$tin. O''nents ! t%e )"r -enie- t%"t t%ese )ere re"# re"sns r re"# $n$erns ("n- in t%e $"se !

0MDs1 t%ey "#s -enie- t%"t t%is '"rti$#"r 're+ise )"s tre r s!!i$ient#y s''rte- *y evi-en$e&.

T%ey "r/e- t%"t t%e re"# re"sns !r /in/ t )"r )ere -i!!erent "n- %"- t - )it% A+eri$"n

/estr"te/i$ interests "n- )it% t%e U8s $++it+ent t s''rt t%se interests. Brie!#y1 t%"t t%e '*#i$

"r/+ent )"s " rationalization1 't !r)"r- )it% t%e intentin t -e$eive "n- +"ni'#"te t%e '*#i$.

In %is evi-en$e t t%e C%i#$t In,iry n Brit"in8s r#e in t%e Ir", )"r1 in "n"ry 651 B#"ir

-e!en-e- %i+se#! "/"inst "$$s"tins t%"t %e %"- +is#e- '*#i$ 'inin "n- t%e /vern+ent1 *y

8 VAN EEMEREN 61 '. 7ii.

9 AUDI 6.

10 HABERMAS 5@>.

4



$#"i+in/ t%"t t%e re"sns %e %"- /iven !r /in/ t )"r %"- *een re"# re"sns "n- t%"t t%ere )"s

s!!i$ient evi-en$e "t t%e ti+e !r *e#ievin/ t%e+. He s"i- t%"t1 n t%e *"sis ! t%e inte##i/en$e

"v"i#"*#e in 6;1 it )"s =*eyn- -*t8 t%"t Ir", )"s $ntinin/ t -eve#' its )e"'ns $"'"*i#ity.

T%e inte##i/en$e re'rts %e %"- "$te- 'n )ere ="*s#te#y strn/ en/%81 =e7tensive1 -et"i#e- "n-

"t%rit"tive8. T%is "+nts t s"yin/ t%"t t%e "r/+ent1 )%i#e nt *ein/ sn-1 "s it #"ter n trne-

t1 )"s nevert%e#ess r"tin"##y 'ers"sive !r B#"ir "t t%e ti+e )%en it )"s +"-e1 /iven "## t%e

evi-en$e "v"i#"*#e1 in t%er )r-s1 t%"t B#"ir %"- +"-e "n %nest +ist"4e.

T%is #ine ! -e!en$e %"s *een strn/#y $%"##en/e-. One ! t%e +e+*ers ! t%e '*#i$ "t t%e

In,iry s"i- in "n intervie)3 =I1 #i4e +i##ins ! t%er Britns "t t%e ti+e1 ss'e$te- B#"ir )"s )rn/

"*t t%e t%re"t t%"t S"--"+ 'se-. I -n8t s"y t%"t n) )it% t%e #7ry ! %in-si/%t. A## t%"t is

-i!!erent n) is t%"t %istry %"s 'rve- s ri/%t. It is in$re-i*#e t%"t Tny B#"ir ... re!ses t "$$e't "ny

'ssi*i#ity t%"t %e $#- %"ve *een )rn/. He see+s t re!se t "$$e't "ny t%er inter'ret"tin ! t%e

inte##i/en$e "t t%e ti+e. At ne 'int %e )"s "s4e- "*t t%e '%r"se *eyn- -*t. Mr B#"ir s"i- t%"t

%e *e#ieve- t%e inte##i/en$e *eyn- -*t. Bt ne ! t%e +e+*ers ! t%e '"ne# s%t *"$4 *eyn-

yr -*t *t )"s it *eyn- "nyne8s -*t? T%ere )"s "-i*#e "''#"se !r+ t%e '*#i$ "t t%is

'int.855

In -e!en-in/ %i+se#! "#n/ t%e #ines ! %+"n !"##i*i#ity1 B#"ir %"s trie- t 'ers"-e %is $riti$s

t%"t %e )"s nt *ein/ insincere in %is "r/+ent !r )"r. He )"s nt +"ni'#"tin/ '*#i$ 'inin1 %e/enine#y *e#ieve- t%"t t%e 're+ises )ere tre1 t%"t Ir", 'ssesse- 0MDs "n- %"- #in4s )it% A#

Q"e-"1 "n- %e )"s /enine#y $n$erne- )it% -e+$r"$y "n- !ree-+ !r t%e Ir",i 'e'#e. T%e

"r/+ent1 in t%er )r-s1 )"s not " r"tin"#i2"tin. As )e %"ve s"i-1 t%e 9-/+ent t%"t "n "r/+ent is

" r"tin"#i2"tin r t%"t it "tte+'ts t +"ni'#"te -e'en-s 'n *ein/ "*#e t '#"si*#y $#"i+ "n

intentin t -e$eive1 )%i$% is nt 'ssi*#e si+'#y n t%e *"sis ! "r/+ent "n"#ysis. T%is intentin

$"nnt *e si+'#y re"- !! "n "r/+ent "n-1 %)ever strn/#y )e +"y !ee# t%"t t%is is )%"t is /in/ n1

9-/+ents ! t%is srt $"n n#y *e +"-e tent"tive#y. H)ever1 t%ey $"n "$,ire s+e $n!ir+"tin *y

$+'"risn )it% t%er evi-en$e. Fr e7"+'#e1 t%e "r/er +"y /ive -i!!erent re"sns !r t%e s"+e

$#"i+ in 'riv"te !r+ t%e nes %e %"s /iven in "n !!i$i"# $"'"$ity in '*#i$1 t%e srt ! -is$re'"n$y

!ten reve"#e- *y 0i4i#e"4s. Or " $+'"risn ! "r/+ents in v"ris $nte7ts +i/%t in-i$"te " *r"-

str"te/y r '#"n ! "$tin )%i$% t%e re"sns /iven !r t%e $#"i+ - nt see+ t !it in )it%. A-ien$es

+"y -r") n t%eir 4n)#e-/e ! t%e )r#- t "ssess )%et%er t%e re"sns !!ere- "re #i4e#y t *esin$ere r nt. Fr inst"n$e1 /iven t%e =s'e$i"#8 Bs%B#"ir re#"tins%i'1 B#"ir8s -e$#"re- $++it+ent

t s''rt Bs%1 r /iven A+eri$"8s 4n)n interests in t%e Mi--#e E"st1 is it re"##y '#"si*#e t%"t t%ese

)ere not re"sns !r "$tin1 *t t%"t " $n$ern !r t%e Ir",i 'e'#e )"s? S$% 9-/+ents re,ire

t%ere!re " *r"-er -i"#e$ti$"# $nte7t1 "n e7ten-e- $nte7t ! -i"#/e1 "$rss v"ris s'"$eti+e

#$"#es1 "s )e## "s "n n-erst"n-in/ ! t%e s$i"# "n- '#iti$"# $nte7t ! "$trs : )%"t it is #i4e#y t%"t

t%ey "re tryin/ t -1 %) )%"t t%ey s"y is s''se- t !it in )it%in t%eir str"te/ies ! "$tin.

0e %"ve s !"r i##str"te- nr+"tive $riti,e *y "n e7"+'#e ! +"ni'#"tin ! '*#i$ 'inin "n- )e

%"ve s"i- t%"t it $"n *e -is$sse- "s inv#vin/ r"tin"#i2"tin1 " ty'e ! -e!e$tive "r/+ent1 "n- t%"t

vie)in/ +"ni'#"tin in t%ese ter+s !!ers " sn-er *"sis !r "n"#ysis "n- ev"#"tin ! -is$rse.

0%et%er r nt "r/ers "re sin$ere r nt is "n et%i$"# isse "t t%e s"+e ti+e "n- $rres'n-s t

H"*er+"s8s =trt%!#ness8 $riterin "s " 'res''sitin ! r"tin"# -is$rse. Bt ev"#"tin in ter+s !

sin$erity is n#y ne "s'e$t ! nr+"tive $riti,e1 "n- -is$rse $"n "#s *e nr+"tive#y "ssesse- nt%e *"sis ! t%e H"*er+"si"n $riteri" ! =trt%8 "n- =nr+"tive "''r'ri"teness8 56. Mst *vis#y1

ev"#"tin ! "r/+ents t%"t $ntri*tes t nr+"tive $riti,e $"n inv#ve $riti$"# ,estinin/ ! t%e

value premise (its r"tin"# "$$e't"*i#ity r nr+"tive "''r'ri"teness& r $riti$i2in/ t%e 'r'se-

"$tin in vie) ! its $nse,en$es n %+"n )e##*ein/ r n t%er "/ents8 #e/iti+"te /"#s "n- t%er

'*#i$#y re$/ni2e- $n$erns. In "--itin1 ev"#"tin/ t%e 'r'erties ! deliberation "n- debate "s

public space dialogue $"n "#s $ntri*te t nr+"tive $riti,e "n- $"n !$s n s$% ,estins "s3 is

s$% -i"#/e in$#sive "n- -e+$r"ti$1 "re 'e'#e !ree !r+ in!#en$es t%"t +i/%t -istrt t%e

"r/+ent"tive t$+e? T%e #"tter isse %"s *een "+'#y "--resse- in CDA5; in ter+s ! " nr+"tive

!r"+e)r4 !r '*#i$ s'"$e -i"#/e1 "n- s %"ve t%e ,estins ! +"ni'#"tin "n- v"#es1 *t nt

11 ONATHAN SIMONS1 "t %tt'3JJne)s.**$.$.4J5J%iJ4J>;.st+

12 HABR!A" 1984.13 FAIRCLOUGH 6*1 '. 56< FAIRCLOUGH 6;1 '. .

5

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8487703.stm





!r+ "n "r/+ent"tive 'ers'e$tive. It is t%is 'ersistent ne/#e$t ! t%e "r/+ent"tive -i+ensin ! te7ts

t%"t )e "re tryin/ t $rre$t in r ne) tre"t+ent ! '#iti$"# -is$rse.

>. Nr+"tive $riti,e. Qestinin/ t%e v"#e 're+ise ! 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ents

Let s n) !$s n ne ! t%e t%er 'ssi*i#ities !r nr+"tive $riti,e t%"t )e in-i$"te- "*ve. As is)e## 4n)n1 t%e $rrent U C"#itin /vern+ent %"s1 sin$e M"y 651 't " st' t +"ny !

L"*r8s 'revis '#i$ies "n- set t t -r"sti$"##y $t t%e *-/et -e!i$it "n- t%e '*#i$ -e*t. T%e

ne) "sterity str"te/y )"s !irst "nnn$e- in C%"n$e##r Os*rne8s ne 65 B-/et s'ee$% 5>1 )%ere

t%e nee- !r +"ssive s'en-in/ $ts )"s 9sti!ie- in ter+s ! t%e 'tenti"# $"t"str'%i$ e!!e$ts ! !"i#in/

t -e"# )it% -e*t1 *t "#s in ter+s ! " $n$ern !r !"irness "n- !tre 'rs'erity !r "##. Here "re "

!e) i##str"tive !r"/+ents !r+ t%e !in"# se$tin ! t%"t s'ee$%3

Mr De'ty S'e"4er1 I - nt -is/ise !r+ t%is Hse t%"t t%e $+*ine- i+'"$t ! t%e t"7 "n-

*ene!it $%"n/es )e +"4e t-"y "re t/% !r 'e'#e. T%"t is n"vi-"*#e /iven t%e s$"#e ! t%e

-e*ts r $ntry !"$es1 "n- t%e $"t"str'%e t%"t )#- ense i! )e !"i#e- t -e"# )it% t%e+. My

'ririty in 'ttin/ t/et%er t%is B-/et %"s *een t +"4e sre t%"t t%e +e"sres "re !"ir. T%"t "##

se$tins ! s$iety $ntri*te1 *t t%"t t%e ri$%est '"y +re t%"n t%e 'rest. Nt 9st in ter+s !

$"s%1 *t "s " 'r'rtin ! in$+e "s )e##. (K&

Over"##1 everyne )i## '"y s+et%in/1 *t t%e 'e'#e "t t%e *tt+ ! t%e in$+e s$"#e )i## '"y

'r'rtin"##y #ess t%"n t%e 'e'#e "t t%e t'. It is " 'r/ressive B-/et.

Mr De'ty S'e"4erK T-"y )e t"4e -e$isive "$tin t -e"# )it% t%e -e*ts )e in%erite- "n-

$n!rnt t%e /re"test e$n+i$ ris4 !"$in/ r $ntry. 0e8ve *een t/% *t )e8ve "#s *een

!"ir. 0e %"ve set t%e $rse !r " *"#"n$e- *-/et "n- !"##in/ n"tin"# -e*t *y t%e en- ! t%is

P"r#i"+ent. 0e %"ve insiste- t%"t !r 'n-s ! every !ive nee-e- t re-$e r -e!i$it )i## *e

!n- !r+ /vern+ent s'en-in/. 0e %"ve 'rte$te- $"'it"# invest+ent !r+ "--itin"# $ts

"n- /t t /ri's )it% t%e s"rin/ $sts ! )e#!"re. 0e %"ve 'rvi-e- t%e !n-"tins !r e$n+i$ re$very in "## '"rts ! r n"tin "n- /iven r $ntry s+e ! t%e +st

$+'etitive *siness t"7es in t%e )r#-. (...&

S"-#y1 )it% t%is n"vi-"*#e *-/et )e8ve %"- t in$re"se t"7es. 0e8ve %"- t '"y t%e *i##s !

'"st irres'nsi*i#ity. 0e8ve %"- t re#e"rn t%e virte ! !in"n$i"# 'r-en$e. Bt in -in/ s )e

%"ve ensre- t%"t t%e *r-en is !"ir#y s%"re-. T-"y )e %"ve '"i- t%e -e*ts ! " !"i#e- '"st. An-

#"i- t%e !n-"tins !r " +re 'rs'ers !tre. T%e ri$%est '"yin/ t%e +st "n- t%e

v#ner"*#e 'rte$te-. T%"t is r "''r"$%. Prs'erity !r "##. T%"t is r /"#. (K&

Let s #4 "t t%e r"tin"# "$$e't"*i#ity ! t%e v"#e 're+ise "n- n %) it !its in )it% t%e /"#s "n-

"$tin )%i$% it is s''se- t n-er#ie "n- in!r+. Fairness "''e"rs t *e t%e /i-in/ v"#e ! t%e ne 65 B-/et "n- its r%etri$"# 'tenti"# is e7'#ite- t t%e !##1 in$#-in/ *y "''e"#s t ethos "n-

pathos. Os*rne "$4n)#e-/es1 !r inst"n$e1 t%"t =+ist"4es8 )ere +"-e in t%e '"st1 )%en it )"s =t%e

'rest : t%se )% %"- #e"st t - )it% t%e $"se ! t%e e$n+i$ +is!rtnes : )% )ere %it

%"r-est8. T%e $rrent /vern+ent1 %)ever1 %e s"ys1 is =-i!!erent8 !r+ 'revis /vern+ents1 "s it is "

='r/ressive "##i"n$e /vernin/ in t%e n"tin"# interest8 )%se ='ririty %"s *een t +"4e sre t%"t t%e

+e"sres "re !"ir81 t%"t =t%e *r-en is !"ir#y s%"re-81 =t%"t "## se$tins ! s$iety $ntri*te1 *t t%"t t%e

ri$%est '"y +re t%"n t%e 'rest8. F"irness is very 'r+inent "t t%e *e/innin/ ! t%e s'ee$%1 )%en t%e

C%"n$e##r $#"i+s t%"t =)%en )e s"y t%"t )e "re "## in t%is t/et%er1 )e +e"n it81 "n- "#s +"4es "n

e7'#i$it =$++it+ent8 t !"irness *y 'r+isin/ t%"t =everyne )i## s%"re in t%e re)"r-s )%en )e

s$$ee-8. It is "#s 'resent t%r/%t t%e s'ee$%1 "s "n i+'#i$it r e7'#i$it 're+ise in t%e v"ris s*

"r/+ents in !"vr ! re!r+in/ v"ris se$trs (e./. )e#!"re& "n- s'en-in/ $ts.

14 H! TRA"UR# 2010.

6



Ot%er v"#es "re "#s inv4e-3 !is$"# 'r-en$e (=0e8ve %"- t re#e"rn t%e virte ! !in"n$i"#

'r-en$e8&1 "n- (!in"n$i"#& res'nsi*i#ity (=P"st 'r-en$e )"s "n e7$se !r !tre irres'nsi*i#ity8&.

T%ere is "#s " re'e"te- inv$"tin ! sin$erity1 r trt%!#ness (=I "+ nt /in/ t %i-e %"r- $%i$es

!r+ t%e Britis% 'e'#e1K 8re /in/ t %e"r t%e+ str"i/%t !r+ +e8&. T%ese v"#es "re e!!e$tive#y

se- t in$re"se *t% t%e r%etri$"# "n- t%e -i"#e$ti$"# "$$e't"*i#ity ! t%e "r/+ent. F"irness1

sin$erity1 res'nsi*i#ity nt n#y %"ve " strn/ r%etri$"# "''e"# "s v"#es )%i$% en9y )i-e s''rt1

*t t%ey "re "#s v"#es )%i$% n-er#ie " -i"#e$ti$"##y 'ti+"# 'r$ess ! 'r"$ti$"# re"snin/ "n-

-e$isin+"4in/1 ne in )%i$% "## t%ere %"s *een "n i+'"rti"# )ei/%in/ ! "#tern"tives "n- t%ere %"s

*een n "tte+'t t -e$eive t%e '*#i$.

At #e"st t%ree -istin$t ,estins $"n !$s n t%e v"#e 're+ise. First1 is the value premise

rationally acceptable? Se$n-#y1 i! it is !n- t *e r"tin"##y "$$e't"*#e1 does it actually support the

goal and the action? In t%er )r-s1 -es t%e $n$#sin "$t"##y !##) !r+ t%e 're+ises1 is t%e

"r/+ent v"#i- r nt? T%ir-#y1 -es t%e $n$#sin !##) !r+ t%e 're+ises (in$#-in/ t%e v"#e

're+ise& for the arguer ? In t%er )r-s1 is t%e "r/+ent " r"tin"#i2"tin?

A re$ent st-y *y t%e S$i"# P#i$y Ass$i"tin 5 %"s i-enti!ie- =!"irness8 "s " 'r+inent

=!e"tre ! t%e r%etri$8 se- *y t%e /vern+ent t 'r+te t%eir "sterity 'r/r"++e. T%e "t%rs

"r/e t%"t t%ere is1 %)ever1 n $%erent n-erst"n-in/ ! !"irness *e%in- t%e /vern+ent8s '#i$ies1

"n- t%ey i-enti!y "t #e"st !ive -istin$t senses ! !"irness3 " $n$ern )it% inter/ener"tin"# 9sti$e1 "$n$ern )it% s$i"# +*i#ity1 !"irness "s " 'rin$i'#e ! nivers"# *t 'r/ressive $ntri*tins1 !"irness

"s 9st -eserts "n- "s t%e 'rte$tin ! t%e )rst!!. A## ! t%ese senses ! !"irness see+ t "''e"r in

Os*rne8s 65 B-/et s'ee$%. Os*rne insists1 !r inst"n$e1 t%"t it is n!"ir t s"--#e !tre

/ener"tins )it% +"ssive -e*t1 t%"t t%e )e#!"re syste+ s%#- 'rte$t t%e v#ner"*#e1 t%"t t%se )%

)r4 s%#- *e *etter !! t%"n t%se )% - nt1 "n- +st nt"*#y %e e+'%"si2es t/et%erness "n-

s#i-"rity3 everyne )i## *e "s4e- t $ntri*te1 =)e "re "## in t%is t/et%er "n- "## +st +"4e "

$ntri*tin8. H)ever1 t%e "t%rs ! t%e st-y $ite in-e'en-ent rese"r$% *y t%e Institte ! Fis$"#

St-ies t%"t s//ests t%"t t%e 'r )i## '"y " 'r'rtin"te#y #"r/er !r"$tin ! t%eir in$+e t%"n t%e

ri$%. T%ey $n$#-e t%"t1 in s'ite ! t%e r%etri$ ! !"irness1 t%e C"#itin8s '#i$ies )i## +st 'r*"*#y

)i-en ine,"#ity in Brit"in in t%e $+in/ ye"rs1 "n- t%ey $n$#-e *y -*tin/ t%ese '#i$ies8 "##e/e-

!"irness.

Si+i#"r#y1 in t%e Guardian1 Se+"s Mi#ne %"s $nvin$in/#y "r/e- t%"t Os*rne8s $#"i+s ! !"irness in t%e ne B-/et "re !r"-#ent "n- %"s $ite- st"tisti$s1 "/"in !r+ t%e Institte !r Fis$"#

St-ies1 s%)in/ t%"t t%e i+'"$t ! t%e B-/et n t%e )rst !! tent% ! t%e ''#"tin )i## *e !ive

ti+es t%e i+'"$t n t%e ri$%est *y 65. F"r !r+ *ein/ 'r/ressive1 "s $#"i+e-1 t%e B-/et is

re/ressive "$$r-in/ t t%e IFS1 %e "r/es1 "n- )i## %it t%e 'rest %"r-est. Or1 "s Mi#ne $++ents1 it

is t%e 'r "n- -is"*#e- )% )i## ='"y t%e 'ri$e ! t%e *"n4ers8 re$essin8. By in$re"sin/ VAT "n-

$ttin/ " )i-e r"n/e ! *ene!its1 )%i#e $ttin/ $r'r"tin t"7 "n- #ettin/ *"n4s !! )it% " =#evy t%"t is

-)"r!e- *y s)e##in/ *nses81 Os*rne %"s trne- t%e /vern+ent8s =*"st ! s$i"# t/et%erness int

" sr 94e8.5

C#e"r#y1 "''e"#s t !"irness "re #i4e#y t in$re"se t%e r%etri$"# "n- -i"#e$ti$"# "$$e't"*i#ity !

t%e "r/+ent. F"irness1 "s " '*#i$#y s%"re- v"#e1 en9ys n,estin"*#e #e/iti+"$y. It is nt "s +$%

t%e r"tin"# "$$e't"*i#ity ! t%e v"#e 're+ise t%"t $"n *e $%"##en/e- %ere *t t%e re#"tins%i' *et)een

it "n- t%e /"# 're+ise "n-1 in-ire$t#y1 t%e "$tin1 "s )e## "s t%e sin$erity ! t%e /vern+ent8$++it+ent t it. Is t%e /"# ! " =!"irer Brit"in81 =)%ere 'rs'erity is s%"re- "+n/ "## se$tins !

s$iety "n- "## '"rts ! t%e $ntry8 $+'"ti*#e )it% t%e v"#e ! !"irness? Se#!evi-ent#y1 yes. Bt is

t%e /"# ! " =!"irer Brit"in8 $+'"ti*#e )it% t%e "$tin *ein/ 'r'se-? Is t%e /vern+ent8s "$tin

actually +tiv"te- *y " $n$ern !r "n- $++it+ent t !"irness? es1 "$$r-in/ t t%e C%"n$e##r "n-

s''rters ! t%e /vern+ent1 "n- n1 "$$r-in/ t t%e Institte !r Fis$"# St-ies "n- t%er $riti$s !

t%e /vern+ent. A$$r-in/ t t%e $riti$s1 "n "''e"# t !"irness1 )%i#e "t t%e s"+e ti+e -e!en-in/ %/e

s'en-in/ $ts "n- !"i#in/ t 'en"#i2e t%e *"n4s1 is 9st r%etri$"# )in-)-ressin/.

T%e '*#i$ -e*"te n !"irness is ! $rse e7tre+e#y $+'#e7. Pe'#e )% - nt t%er)ise

s''rt t%e /vern+ent8s 'r/r"++e ! $ts )#- nt ne$ess"ri#y -is"/ree t%"t t%e )e#!"re syste+ is

in nee- ! re!r+. T%ey )#- "/ree1 !r inst"n$e1 t%"t it is nt !"ir t%"t t"7es '"i- *y )r4in/ !"+i#ies

15 EATES et al .1 655.

16 MILNE1 65.

7



)% $++te t )r4 s%#- *e se- t '"y !r %sin/ "n- ne+'#y+ent *ene!its !r !"+i#ies )%

#ive in $entr"# Ln-n. In t%e B-/et s'ee$%1 Os*rne s4i#!##y e7'#its t%e '*#i$8s sensitivity t t%is

'er$eive- n!"irness3 'e'#e s%#- /et )%"t t%ey -eserve1 %e "r/es1 "n- t%se )% )r4 s%#- *e

re)"r-e-1 )%i#e t%se )% $%se nt t )r4 s%#- n #n/er *e *etter !! t%"n t%se )% -1 "s :

%e $#"i+s : is !ten t%e $"se "t t%e ++ent. He is ! $rse $%sin/ nt t "--ress "ny ! t%e t%rny

isses *e%in- t%is "r/+ent (t%e $"ses ! ne+'#y+ent1 s$% "s t%e n"v"i#"*i#ity ! 9*s in +"ny

"re"s< t%e e7r*it"nt 'ri$es ! %ses "n- rents&. By "''e"#in/ t 'e'#e8s sense ! !"irness in t%e sense

! =9st -eserts8 %e is 'res+"*#y tryin/ t "-v"n$e %is t%er +re $ntentis $#"i+ t !"irness3 t%"t

s%"rin/ t%e '"in ! t%e $ts "+n/st t%e ''#"tin is "#s !"ir. Re/"r-in/ t%e #"tter isse1 t%e *vis

$riti$"# ,estin t%"t %e )#- %"ve t "ns)er )#- *e t%e !##)in/3 t )%"t e7tent is it $+'"ti*#e

)it% !"irness "s -esert t !r$e t%e ''#"tin t '"y !r " $risis )%i$% t%ey -i- nt $"se1 )%i#e "s4in/

!r s #itt#e !r+ t%e *"n4s "n- *"n4ers t%"t $"se- t%e $risis "n- )% s%#-1 t%ere!re1 by the same

logic of fairness as desert 1 '"y !r t%e -"+"/es? T )%"t e7tent1 t%"t is1 is t%e str"te/y "-v$"te-

$+'"ti*#e )it% t%e v"#e t%"t "##e/e-#y in!r+s it?

In t%e 'revis se$tin1 )e s%)e- %) "r/+ents $"n *e $riti$i2e- "s r"tin"#i2"tins. In

r"tin"#i2"tins1 t%e 're+ises t%"t "re inv4e- in s''rt ! t%e $#"i+ "re nt t%e re"# 're+ises1 !r+

t%e "r/er8s 'ers'e$tive. 0e s"i- t%"t it is %"r- t !in- $n$#sive evi-en$e !r t%e "r/er8s insin$erity1

!r %is -e$e'tive intentin. H)ever1 )%"t )e $"n s"y n t%e *"sis ! evi-en$e is t%"t1 in Os*rne8s"r/+ents1 t%ere -es nt see+ t *e " $+'"ti*i#ity *et)een t%e v"#e 're+ise1 t%e /"# 're+ise "n-

t%e "$tin1 "s ne )#- e7'e$t. T%is !"$t $"n *e *s$re- *y t%e )"y in )%i$% !"irness is -e!ine- in

t%ese te7ts. In "--itin t insistin/ t%"t t%e ri$% )i## '"y +re t%"n t%e 'r1 Os*rne is $"re!# t

e+'%"si2e !"irness in t%e sense ! /ivin/ 'e'#e )%"t t%ey -eserve3 'e'#e )% )r4 -eserve re)"r-s

t%"t i-#e 'e'#e - nt. By t%e s"+e #/i$1 %)ever1 %e )#- "#s %"ve t "--ress t%e ,estin3 0%y

- *"n4ers deserve t re$eive *nses1 )%i#e t%e ''#"tin %"s t '"y !r t%eir e7$esses? T%is

,estin1 seen "s " moral ,estin1 %"s nt *een '*#i$#y -e"#t )it% in " re+te#y "$$e't"*#e )"y1

)%i$% is )%y t%e /vern+ent8s "''e"#s t !"irness $ntine t rin/ %##).

Ar/"*#y1 "#tern"tive str"te/ies ! "$tin1 s$% "s -e!en-e- *y t%e C"#itin8s n+ers

$riti$s1 "re !"r +re $+'"ti*#e )it% !"irness3 " 9*s $re"tin 'r/r"++e1 r " '*#i$ se$tr-riven

'r/r"++e ! *i#-in/ "!!r-"*#e %sin/1 r " +$% %i/%er *"n4 #evy r tr"ns"$tin t"7. T%ese

"$tins )#- !it in *etter )it% t%e /"# ! " !"irer Brit"in. Given t%e v"#e ! !"irness "n- t%e /"# ! "!"irer Brit"in1 t%e /vern+ent /%t1 !r inst"n$e1 t / !r " =R*in H-8 t"7 n !in"n$i"#

tr"ns"$tins "n- $re"te 9*s !r 'e'#e. A different set ! $#"i+s )#- t%ere!re !##) !r+ " /enine

$n$ern !r !"irness. T 'reserve t%e $#"i+ !r "$tin n$%"n/e-1 t%e v"#e 're+ise /%t t *e

"#tere-. Eit%er )"y1 t%e in!erenti"# #in4 *et)een t%e "r/+ent8s st"te- 're+ises "n- its st"te- $#"i+ is

-e!e"te- *y t%e "r/+ent8s !"i#re t 'rvi-e " s"tis!"$try "ns)er t t%e ,estin "*t t%e

$+'"ti*i#ity *et)een st"te- v"#es1 /"#s "n- "$tin. T%e $n$#sin in !"vr ! s'en-in/ $ts -es

nt !##) !r+ " /enine $++it+ent t !"irness. On t%e $ntr"ry1 )%"t -es !##) !r+ "

$++it+ent t !"irness is t%"t t%e /vern+ent /%t not t s%"re t%e *r-en ! t%e $ts "$rss s$iety1

"s t%is 'nis%es t%e inn$ent "n- !"i#s t 'en"#i2e t%se res'nsi*#e !r t%e $risis.

0e %"ve s"i- t%"t !"irness is " r"tin"##y "$$e't"*#e v"#e1 *t ,estine- t )%"t e7tent it

"$t"##y in!r+s "$tin. F"irness is inv4e- *e$"se it is "n "$$e't"*#e1 #e/iti+"te v"#e1 ne )%i$%

en9ys '*#i$ re$/nitin1 "s "n e7tern"# $nstr"int n /vern+ent "$tin. T%e /vern+ent is in !"$t$++itte- t !"irness )%"tever t%er re"sns it +i/%t %"ve "n- it is " r%etri$"##y e!!e$tive +ve ('"rt

! "n "''e"# t ethos& t e+'%"si2e t%is $++it+ent "s " re"sn !r "$tin. 5 0e $"n nevert%e#ess

$%"##en/e t%e i+'#i$it -e!initin ! !"irness1 "s s%"rin/ t%e *r-en in "$$r-"n$e )it% -i!!erenti"#

"*i#ity1 )it% its %i/%#y ,estin"*#e 'res''sitin t%"t everyne is e,"##y res'nsi*#e1 t%/% nt

everyne is e,"##y "*#e t $ntri*te1 "s )e## "s t%e in$nsistent "''#i$"tin ! t%e #/i$ ! 9st

-eserts. 0e $"n "#s $%"##en/e t%e v"#e 're+ise *y *servin/ t%"t1 )%i#e *ein/ " r"tin"##y "$$e't"*#e

$n$ern1 !"irness -is'#"$es t%er 'ssi*#e v"#es t%"t $#- #e/iti+"te#y in!r+ "$tin. T%ere is1 !r

e7"+'#e1 n +entin ! equality r justice in Os*rne8s s'ee$%es. As t%e L"*r MP Mi$%"e# Me"$%er

%"s *serve-1 Cnserv"tive "n- Ne) L"*r '#iti$i"ns "#i4e %"ve s$$ee-e- in 's%in/ e,"#ity !!

t%e "/en-" "#t/et%er1 "n- Peter M"n-e#sn8s in!"+s -e$#"r"tin t%"t =Ne) L"*r is s're+e#y

re#"7e- "*t 'e'#e *e$+in/ !i#t%y ri$%8 %"s s++e- ' t%is ten-en$y. T%e ri$% "re n) in-ee-

17 FAIRCLOUGH AND FAIRCLOUGH 2012, CHA$TR 4.

8



!i#t%y ri$%1 t%"n4s t Ne) L"*r1 s"ys Me"$%er "n- ine,"#ities in in$+e "n- )e"#t% in Brit"in "re

s st"//erin/ t%"t n "+nt ! 'ersn"# e!!rt1 e-$"tin r tr"inin/ $"n $#se t%e /"'. A!ter 5; ye"rs

! Ne) L"*r1 ! t%e ''#"tin (t%e =s,ee2e- +i--#e8& "re e"rnin/ *et)een 561 "n-

;1 " ye"r1 )%i#e " $%ie! e7e$tive "t " +"9r *"n4 %"s "n in$+e ! 5.6 +i##in1 es$"#"tin/ t

5 +i##in " ye"r )%en *nses "n- t%er *ene!its "re "--e-. 5

T s+ '1 ev"#"tin/ " '#iti$"# "r/+ent !r+ t%e 'ers'e$tive ! t%e v"#e 're+ise inv#ves

"s4in/ )%et%er t%e v"#es t%"t stensi*#y n-er#ie t%e "r/+ent "re "$$e't"*#e !r+ " -i"#e$ti$"# 'int

! vie)1 i.e. )%et%er t%ey "re r"tin"##y -e!ensi*#e1 )%et%er (!r e7"+'#e& 'e'#e )#- "/ree1 "t t%e

en- ! " 'r$ess ! $riti$"# -is$ssin1 t%"t t%ey "re $n-$ive t %+"n )e##*ein/. Mrever1

)%et%er t%ey )#- "/ree1 /iven $+'etin/ v"#es1 )%i$% v"#es (%en$e )%i$% /"#s& s%#- %"ve

nr+"tive 'ririty1 r )%i$% $"nnt *e verri--en. Bt i! t%e v"#es "re !n- "$$e't"*#e1 t%e ,estin

sti## re+"ins )%et%er t%e /"#s "n- "$tins "re re"##y *"se- n t%e st"te- v"#es1 "n- n " re"sn"*#e

*"#"n$in/ ! $+'etin/ "n- e,"##y #e/iti+"te v"#es1 "s t%ey $#"i+ t *e. In t%er )r-s1 )%et%er t%e

"r/+ent is nt in !"$t invalid (t%e $n$#sin1 'n e7"+in"tin1 -es nt !##)1 even t%/% t%e

"r/er +"y nt *e ")"re ! t%is& r even " rationalization1 *"se- n -e$e'tive1 $vert $n$erns1 )%i#e

t%e "r/er "''e"#s t #e/iti+"te v"#es !r 're#y r%etri$"# re"sns.

. Cn$#sin

0e %"ve trie- t i##str"te nr+"tive $riti,e *y -is$ssin/ t) $"ses ! nre"sn"*#e "r/+ents1 i.e.

t) $"ses ! r"tin"#i2"tins. In r"tin"#i2"tins1 t%e et%i$"# isse inv#ve- %"s t - )it% insin$erity1

-e$e'tin "n- t%e intentin ! +"ni'#"tin/ t%e "-ien$e. O!ten1 t%e st"te- v"#es n-er#yin/ t%e

"r/+ent "re n*9e$tin"*#e1 %en$e t%ese "r/+ents8 -e$e'tiveness3 t%e st"te- v"#es "re r"tin"##y

"$$e't"*#e1 even #e/iti+"te v"#es t%"t en9y '*#i$ re$/nitin1 *t t%ey "re nt t%e re"# v"#es t%"t

"re "$t"##y in!r+in/ t%e "r/+ent. T%ere "re t%er1 $vert 're+ises t%"t1 'n re!#e$tin1 "re +re

*vis#y $+'"ti*#e )it% t%e 'r'se- "$tin1 "n- it is !r+ t%ese $vert 're+ises t%"t t%e "r/er is

in !"$t 9sti!yin/ %is 'r's"#.

T s+ '1 ev"#"tin ! "r/+ent"tive -is$rse !r+ "n et%i$"# 'ers'e$tive $"n !$s1 in r

vie)1 n t%e !##)in/ "s'e$ts3

("& Criti$"# ,estinin/ ! t%e v"#e 're+ise ! 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ents : "s4in/1 !r inst"n$e3 is t%e

v"#e t%"t is *ein/ inv4e- in s''rt ! t%e /"# ("n- t%ere!re t%e "$tin& " rationally

acceptable value? Is it " legitimate v"#e1 ne t%"t )#- )it%st"n- " 'r$ess ! critical

questioning 1 ! '*#i$ 9sti!i$"tin?

0e %"ve seen t%"t '#iti$"# "r/+ents !ten try t *e r%etri$"##y "n- -i"#e$ti$"##y "$$e't"*#e *y

inv4in/ v"#es )%i$% en9y )i-e ''#"r s''rt3 !"irness1 res'nsi*i#ity1 " $n$ern !r t%e $++n

/-1 !ree-+1 -e+$r"$y1 "n- s n. H)ever1 t%e !"$t t%"t " $#"i+ !r "$tin is "''"rent#y /rn-e-

in r"tin"##y "$$e't"*#e1 #e/iti+"te v"#es -es nt /"r"ntee t%"t t%e $#"i+ is in !"$t r"tin"##y

"$$e't"*#e1 n#ess t%se v"#es $"n *e s%)n t "$t"##y n-er#ie t%e "$tin.

(*& Criti$"# ,estinin/ ! t%e re#"tins%i' *et)een t%e st"te- v"#e 're+ise "n- t%e st"te- /"#

"n- $#"i+ !r "$tin.

Fr inst"n$e1 in t%e $"se ! t%e /vern+ent8s "sterity "r/+ent1 t%is )#- inv#ve "s4in/ )%et%er

t%e st"te- $n$ern !r !"irness is re"##y n-er#yin/ r -rivin/ t%e /vern+ent8s "$tin. Is t%ere 'er%"'s

"n in$+'"ti*i#ity *et)een !"irness1 "s t%e st"te- v"#e1 "n- t%e st"te- /"# ! t%e "r/+ent1 r

*et)een !"irness "n- t%e 'r'se- "$tin ? Ass+in/ t%"t " $n$ern !r !"irness is t%e re"# /i-in/

v"#e1 %) )#-1 !r inst"n$e C%"n$e##r Os*rne "ns)er $riti$is+ t t%e e!!e$t t%"t t%e "$tin %e is

'r'sin/ is nt $+'"ti*#e )it% !"irness? T%e *vis $riti$"# ,estin t%"t %e )#- %"ve t

"ns)er )#- *e3 t )%"t e7tent is it $+'"ti*#e )it% !"irness t !r$e t%e ''#"tin t '"y !r "

$risis )%i$% t%ey -i- nt $"se1 )%i#e "s4in/ !r s #itt#e !r+ t%e *"n4s "n- *"n4ers t%"t $"se- t%e

$risis "n- )% s%#-1 t%ere!re1 *y t%e s"+e #/i$ ! !"irness1 '"y !r t%e -"+"/es? Ar/in/ !r

18 !ACHR, 2010.

9



'*#i$ se$tr s'en-in/ $ts "n- !r +"4in/ t%e ''#"tin *e"r t%e $nse,en$es1 "n- -in/ s from a

stated concern for fairness $"n *e $%"##en/e- n t%e /rn-s t%"t =!"irness8 is inv4e- +ere#y !r

r%etri$"# re"sns *t -es nt1 "n- $#- nt1 "$t"##y n-er#ie t%e 'r'se- "$tin1 )%i$% is

+"ni!est#y n!"ir.

T%e $#"i+ ($n$#sin& itse#! $"n *e $%"##en/e- *y 'intin/ t t%"t t%e ne/"tive $nse,en$es

t%"t )i## ense "re nt $+'"ti*#e )it% " $n$ern !r !"irness. By $ntr"st1 s+e "#tern"tive "$tin1

s$% "s 'r'se- *y t%e /vern+ent8s $riti$s1 +i/%t *e +re $+'"ti*#e )it% " /enine $n$ern !r

!"irness1 e./. t%e $re"tin ! " 9*s 'r/r"++e1 $ntine- invest+ent in e-$"tin1 " !"ir t"7"tin

syste+ (in$#-in/ 'rsin/ t"7 ev"sin&1 "n- s n.

($& Fin"##y1 "n et%i$"# 'ers'e$tive is "#s in !$s in ,estinin/ t%e 'r'erties ! -e#i*er"tin in "

+#ti"/ent $nte7t1 "s " !r+ ! '*#i$ s'"$e -i"#/e.

0e $"n "s43 is -e#i*er"tin in$#sive1 -es it "##) !r t%e e7'ressin ! " v"riety ! vie)s1 "re 'e'#e

!ree !r+ in!#en$es t%"t +i/%t -istrt t%e -e#i*er"tive t$+e1 t%"t +i/%t 'revent " $n$#sin !r+

e+er/in/ =n t%e +erits8 ! t%e $"se? S$% ,estins )#- !$s n t%e =%i/%er r-er8 $n-itins !

"n "$t"# s$i"# "n- '#iti$"# $nte7t1 in$#-in/ !"$ts "*t "/ents (%) $+'etent r $'er"tive t%ey

"re& "n- !"$ts %"vin/ t - )it% ')er1 "s "/ents +"y nt *e !ree t $%"##en/e "r/+ents1 r ')er

ine,"#ities +"y 'revent t%e+ !r+ "-e,"te#y -in/ s.5@ T%e #"tter "re t%e 4in- ! 're$n-itins !r

-e+$r"ti$ '*#i$ s'"$e -i"#/e t%"t CDA %"s ty'i$"##y !$se- n.6 On t%e "''r"$% )e s//est1

t%ey s%#- *e seen "s "!!e$tin/ t%e re"sn"*#eness ! "n "r/+ent"tive ("n- 'ssi*#y "#s '#iti$"#&

t$+e1 "s s%"'in/ (in )"ys )%i$% t%e "n"#yst +i/%t )"nt t $%"##en/e& "/ents8 re"sns !r "$tin.

T%ese re"sns "re 're+ises ! v"ris ty'es in t%e 'r"$ti$"# "r/+ents t%"t $rres'n- t "/ents8

'r"$ti$"# re"snin/1 )%i$% is )%y !$sin/ n t%e "r/+ent"tive n"tre ! '#iti$"# te7ts $"n

$nse,ent#y si/ni!i$"nt#y en%"n$e CDA8s $"'"$ity t 'rse nr+"tive $riti,e.

Re!eren$es

AUDI R.1 63 Practical Reasoning and thical !ecision1 Ln-n3 Rt#e-/e.

EEMEREN F. H.1 VAN1 6 3 =Fre)r-3 Previe) *y Revie)81 in L. -e S"ssre "n- P. S$%#2 (e-s.&

"anipulation and #deolog ies in the $wentieth %entury1 A+ster-"+3 %n Ben9"+ins1 ''. i77v.

EEMEREN1 F. H.1 VAN1 6@3 =De+$r"$y "n- Ar/+ent"tin81 in D. C. 0i##i"+s "n- M. . n/ (e-s.&

!iscourse& !ebate and !emocracy1 Ne) r43 I-e*"te Press1 ''. ;>.

EEMEREN F. H.1 VAN1 653 'trategic "aneuvering in (rgumentative !iscourse1 A+ster-"+3 %n

Ben9"+ins.

EEMEREN F. H.1 VAN1 GROOTENDORST R.1 5@@6 3 (rgumentation& %ommunication and Fallacies1

Hi##s-"#e1 N3 L")ren$e Er#*"+ Ass$i"tes.

EEMEREN1 F. H.1 VAN AND GROOTENDORST R.1 6>3 ( 'ystematic $heory of (rgumentation) $he

pragma*dialectical approach1 C"+*ri-/e3 C"+*ri-/e University Press.

FAIRCLOUGH I.1 FAIRCLOUGH N.1 6553 =Pr"$ti$"# re"snin/ in '#iti$"# -is$rse3 t%e U /vern+ent8sres'nse t t%e e$n+i$ $risis in t%e 6 PreB-/et Re'rt81 !iscourse + 'ociety 66(;&1 ''. 6>;

6.

FAIRCLOUGH I.1 FAIRCLOUGH N.1 6563 Political !iscourse (nalysis) ( "ethod for (dvanced 'tudents.

Ln-n3 Rt#e-/e.

FAIRCLOUGH N.1 5@@3 ,anguage and Power 1 Ln-n3 Ln/+"n (6n- E-itin 65&.

FAIRCLOUGH N.1 5@@63 !iscourse and 'ocial %hange& C"+*ri-/e3 P#ity Press.

FAIRCLOUGH N.1 6"3 -ew ,abour& -ew ,anguage. Ln-n3 Rt#e-/e.

FAIRCLOUGH N.1 6*3 =Di"#/e in t%e '*#i$ s'%ere81 in S. S"r"n/i "n- M. C#t%"r- (e-s.& !iscourse

and 'ocial ,ife& Ln-n3 Ln/+"n.

FAIRCLOUGH N.1 6;3 (nalysing !iscourse) $extual (nalysis for 'ocial Research1 Ln-n3 Rt#e-/e.

19 VAN EEMEREN 6@.

20 FAIRCLOUGH 6*.

10



FAIRCLOUGH N.1 63 ,anguage and Globalisation1 Ln-n3 Rt#e-/e.

FAIRCLOUGH N.1 653 %ritical !iscourse (nalysis) $he %ritical 'tudy of ,anguage1 6n- e-itin1 Ln-n3

Ln/+"n.

HABERMAS .1 5@>3 $he $heory of %ommunicative (ction) /olume 0ne1 Reason and the Rationalization

of 'ociety1 tr"ns. T. M$C"rt%y1 Ln-n3 Heine+"nn.

HM TREASUR 653 =B-/et st"te+ent *y t%e C%"n$e##r ! t%e E7$%e,er1 t%e Rt Hn Ger/e Os*rne

MP81 66 ne1 "v"i#"*#e "t %tt'3JJ))).%+tre"sry./v.4J9ne*-/ets'ee$%.%t+ ("$$esse- 6 ne

65&.

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11

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/junebudget_speech.htm


http://www.michaelmeacher.info/weblog/2010/01/the-rich-really-are-now-filthy-rich-thanks-to-mandelson/



http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jun/23/george-osborne-fairness-claim-fraud

http://www.social-policy.org.uk/downloads/idow.pdf




http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jun/23/george-osborne-fairness-claim-fraud

http://www.social-policy.org.uk/downloads/idow.pdf

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Ethics and Social Critique Evaluation