Political leadership and the agent-centered approach: a realist critique of Elena Ziliotti’s Meritocratic Democracy

Abstract

This essay focuses on Elena Ziliotti’s ‘agent-centered approach’ in her discussion of political leadership. In her view, ‘political leaders are a critical political agency.’ I advance three criticisms: one conceptual and two normative. First, it’s conceptually unclear whether her approach is ‘agent-centered.’ Second, a political leader may need to contravene instrumental virtues to uphold the virtue of public spiritedness. Third, it’s unrealistic to expect politicians to prioritize virtues when they conflict with the goal of gaining power and making a living from it.