69. Integrity is impossible without self-reflection and role distancing
Without self-reflection SPs cannot be seen as possessing integrity because they are not aware of what they are doing or the reasons behind it. Reflection demands that SPs are honest with themselves and distance themselves from their roles. It is therefore important for SPs to create moments for self-reflection and moments when they can show that they are more than SPs.
In the previous chapters we saw that contemplation or reflection is important for integrity. In order to come to a good decision with respect to problems in which integrity plays a role, it is important to take the time to analyze the situation properly and investigate the best choice. The less time there is for reflection, the more important moral intuition becomes. Even if SPs have a well developed moral intuition, it remains important to reflect critically on the extent to which intuition is morally defensible. Reflection, however, goes beyond this.
In chapter 6 we saw that ethics involves reflecting on morality and that integrity requires ethics. People with integrity are also reflective in the sense of knowing what they are doing and why they are doing it. People with integrity consider whether they are doing the right thing and are prepared to adjust where necessary. People who hold on by hook or by crook, without stopping to think, cannot be seen to have integrity; they are simply conceited. Acting morally is not the same as acting with integrity, because people can act automatically, without being aware of what they are doing and why. Similarly following your own conscience is not behaving with integrity because people can follow their consciences indiscriminately, without reflection.399 In short, an SP without self-reflection cannot be seen as having integrity.
Reflection demands, among other things, that SPs are honest with themselves. This honesty, however, is difficult because people want to have integrity. People want to keep their image of their own integrity intact, so they rationalize away failures and are dishonest with themselves.400 If we behave in a way that lacks integrity, a discrepancy arises between who we want to be and what we do. In order to release this tension, we deceive ourselves, thinking up ways that our behavior shows integrity after all, fitting our self-image. This restores internal integrity at the cost of external integrity, the consistency between what people do and what is expected in office.
Reflection also demands role distancing. Role distancing means that SPs are capable of rising above the job, in the sense that they should be able to view it critically from a distance. Nevertheless, this is difficult to do. After all, SPs should fulfill their roles, in the sense that the position should suit them and not involve play acting, as discussed in chapter 28. This way we show that we are one with our positions and fully behind the expectations of office. Nevertheless, this has its limits. Those who throw themselves completely into their positions can lose their sense of self, or, as MacIntyre warns, people may compartmentalize or completely eliminate themselves, no longer functioning beyond the jobs they hold. The risk is that people come to see the values and norms of office as absolute.401 Moral autonomy no longer exists, so SPs lack a place and a framework for viewing their own position and functioning critically from a distance. The trick is therefore to behave like a good actor, making the public believe what happens on stage is real, while remaining aware yourself and being able to step out of the role at any moment.
It is therefore good for SPs to realize that official positions are like costumes that can be put on and taken off. It is also good for SPs to be dedicated to the position, as long as they do not go too far (as we saw in chapter 66, we should avoid too much of a good thing). SPs who prioritize attending meetings above their own children’s funerals fall short as parents and as SPs. There is also a danger that devotion to the job may lead to addiction and dependence, so that SPs are controlled by the job, rather than living autonomously. So the trick is to create moments of reflection, not only on the job, but also outside of it. For example, Tony Blair used his summer vacation to think about the desirability of invading Iraq. SPs should also seek out moments when they can show that they are more than officials. SPs who only show themselves in office, with no sign of personality, create the image of being nothing more than their jobs.
It is important to create time for reflection. Lack of time for reflection indicates that integrity is not a priority.402 However, not everything requires time: people who spend a great deal of time considering whether to accept the absolutely unacceptable, such as bribery, are not exhibiting integrity but rather the lack