scholarly journals The Challenges of Capitalism for Virtue Ethics and the Common Good

Author(s):  
Kleio Akrivou ◽  
Alejo Sison
Author(s):  
Giorgio Mion ◽  
Renzo Beghini

Purpose This paper aims to present and discuss an interdisciplinary educational approach to business ethics, based on a virtue ethics framework and the common good paradigm. This approach addresses the challenges that businesses face in building legitimacy and creating shared values. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a case study of an experience of an interdisciplinary postgraduate course, discussing both the design of the program and its first results. Findings The paper focuses on the theoretical and practical reasons for the interdisciplinary nature of business ethics education and contributes to the literature on business ethics education as well as training and educational practices in academic and professional contexts. Practical implications This paper can positively influence business education practices by sharing a replicable educational model and fostering virtuous practices that contribute to renewing the perception of the purpose of firms. Social implications Improving business ethics education can positively affect the social performance of firms contributing to the common good. Originality The paper presents an innovative interdisciplinary educational program that, to the best of our knowledge of the current literature, can be consider an original contribution.


2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejo José G. Sison ◽  
Edwin M. Hartman ◽  
Joan Fontrodona

ABSTRACT:Virtue ethics, the authors believe, is distinct and superior to other options because it considers, in the first place, which preferences are worth pursuing, rather than just blindly maximizing preferences, and it takes into account intuitions, emotions and experience, instead of acting solely on abstract universal principles. Moreover, virtue ethics is seen as firmly rooted in human biology and psychology, particularly in our freedom, rationality, and sociability. Work, business, and management are presented as vital areas for the development of virtues, not the least with a view to human flourishing. We conclude by introducing the articles included in this special issue.


2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Milbank

AbstractThis essay argues that modern society lacks a vision of the common good, which prevents education from having an adequate telos or goal. It calls for a restoration of the language of virtue and the ethical tradition of Aristotle and Aquinas. The Anglican parish and the church primary or elementary school are examined as sites where virtue ethics is still active: particularly in the intercessory work of parish prayer, and in the mimetic approach to learning employed with younger children. The article then addresses ways in which these institutions depend upon what C.S. Lewis called ‘deeper magic’ of a transcendent reality, and ways in which the school especially might develop further a pedagogy of the virtues using J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories as exemplars. Finally, it argues for a dimension of the beautiful in a recovery of an education in Christian virtue.


Author(s):  
David Elliot

Abstract As social, civic, and global anxieties mount, the need to overcome despair has become urgent. This chapter draws on St. Thomas Aquinas and virtue ethics to propose the theological virtue of hope as a powerful source of rejuvenation. It argues for the necessary place of theology in reflection on hope due to the religious origins of hope as a central human aspiration and virtue capable of resilience. The virtue of hope, it is suggested, sustains us from the sloth and despair that threaten amid injustice, tragedy, and death; it provides an ultimate meaning and transcendent purpose to our lives; and it encourages us “on the way” (in via) with the prospect of eternal beatitude. Rather than degrading this life and world, hope ordains earthly goods to our eschatological end, forming us to pursue justice and social tasks with a resilience and vitality that transcend widespread cynicism and disillusionment. While hope ultimately seeks the kingdom of God, it can be concluded that it contributes richly to personal happiness and the common good, even in this life, and that this may be affirmed by those who do not share the theological premises.


Author(s):  
Geoff Moore

The aim of this chapter is to set out the virtues approach, mostly as characterized by Alasdair MacIntyre, at the individual level but also at the level of society since the two are interrelated. It discusses seven components of virtue ethics, and in the process introduces the ideas of purpose and the common good. It then looks at two criticisms of virtue ethics—first what is known as ‘situationism’, and second whether virtue ethics is insufficiently action-guiding, and provides a response to these. It also explores why, within a virtue ethics approach, we should be able to provide reasons for our actions, before considering whether and how the virtues approach might be applied to organizations. It argues that, using virtue as a metaphor, we can legitimately apply the concepts of virtue ethics at the organizational level.


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