The West owes its high standard of living predominantly to commerce, business, and entrepreneurship. Despite this, people continue to repeat the cliché that business ethics is an oxymoron. 40% of crimes in TV and film are committed by fictional businesspeople. People tend to assume business majors are driven by greed (whereas they assume pre-med students are driven by compassion and love). Why does business get such a bad rap? How much does it deserve it? What does that have to do with you? This course explores the ethical dimensions of business. The first half of the course examines the connection between business and the morally worthwhile life, with an eye on the ideal of being a whole person. We cover virtues such as honesty, integrity, creativity, productivity, responsibility, and loyalty. We will first analyze these virtues, to determine what they are and what role they play in the good life. Then we will consider how they fit into business practice. The second half of the course concerns role of business in a just society. We will examine some important critiques as well as defenses of private enterprise. We’ll look at some of the problems that arise in market exchanges. Lastly, I hope that some of what you learn from this course will help make you a more thoughtful and reflective person. (That's a lot to ask from a class.) We are looking at real-world problems. Whether you become a businessperson or not, you will be confronted with some of these issues in your life. I hope this class aids you when the time comes.

Writing is an art. It takes practice. Here's some help.

Michael Huemer's Guide

Jim Pryor's Guide

Peter Horban's Guide

Martin Young's Guide