Thomas Nagel | Ruthlessness in Public Life
Nagel discusses the effects of public roles on personal morality and determines that a depersonalization of, or moral insularity from, one's behavior can occur when people act as agents of a larger institution. He presents the theory of obligation as a way to understand this moral peculiarity, analyzes personal and public morality of outcomes and morality of actions, concluding that personal moral restraints can guide public life even with its more impersonal and impartial goals.
-Holding public office can shield people from their personal morality such that what they do in their official capacity is
A) depersonalized.
B) responsible.
C) irresponsible.
D) morally restrained.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Holding public office can lead to actions being depersonalized, as individuals may act as agents of larger institutions, separating their personal morality from their official duties.