Formative objectives

The purpose of this course is to engage both our minds and our “hearts” (will) because we study ethics not to just know what is good but to become good people.

Therefore we will seek to develop openness and sensitivity to the moral dimension of human action as well as the handling of the complex real business life from in the light of moral experience.

Specifically we will aim at:

  • a) sharpening our knowledge of what ethics mean through a critical reflection on our own personal experience;
  • b) comparing models of ethical thinking in business and ethical decision-making procedures;
  • c) discussing cases where it is not immediately clear what is the “right” conduct
  • d) explaining the ethical components of specific issues that affect businesses: corruption, globalisation, finances, working conditions, insider information, whistle-blowing, competition, publicity, taxes, environment.
  • e) Finally we will also examine the role that ethical sensitivity plays in leadership.


Course Structure:

1. A History of Business Ethics
  • a. Economic ethics in the ancient world and in the middle-ages
  • b. Modern times and the science of economics. Adam Smith
  • c. Economic theories and schools of economic thought up to the contemporary times
  • d. Business ethics from the ‘60s upwards
2. Ethics
  • a. The moral experience. What are the unique characteristics of this experience? What does it tell me about myself? Where and how do we experience it in business?
  • b. Ethical theories Pleasure principle The moral law Utilitarianism The Kantian perspective The common good perspective
  • c. Ethics and economical activity; ethics and economic theories
  • d. Professional ethics
3. The finality of business and the configuration of a business ethics
  • a. The profit motive
  • b. The principles of responsibility and corporate social responsibility: European and American perspectives. External Stakeholder Issues. Internal Stakeholders Issues
4. Moral reasoning in business
  • a. From moral experience to moral reasoning. Methods of moral reasoning. What is my method of moral reasoning?
  • b. Conscience
  • c. Prudence and the formation of moral virtues and moral character.
5. The ethics of finances
  • a. A philosophy of money
  • b. The moral object, finality and circumstances of financial activity
  • c. The present crisis
  • d. The recent encyclical: Caritas in veritate
6. Global economics
  • a. Globalizations and business
  • b. Ethics and culture. Whose values?
  • c. Theories and realities of development
  • d. Business and human rights e. Business and the environment
7. Particular issues in Business ethics
  • a. The problem of corruption in business practice: roots, extension and remedies.
  • b. Consumerism and publicity
  • c. The centrality and priority of work Conclusion: Leadership and the ethical environment in business