Alasdair Macintyre's The Irrelevance Of Ethics Analysis

In this paper I will discuss the idea that Alasdair MacIntyre put forth in his article “The Irrelevance of Ethics”; namely that business people cannot be ethical people because their trade prohibits it. Furthermore, being ethical would place them in a position of insurmountable disadvantage if they were to act ethically (Alasdair). Next I will discuss the Edward Romar’s position in his article “Virtue is Good Business: Confucianism as a Practical Business Ethic” which is that strong business use ethics and strong core values to grow their businesses (Romar). According to Romar strong ethics and a healthy benevolence isn’t optional; but completely necessary for a successful business. Lastly, I will discuss my own personal view and opinions

That it is not possible to be successful without being self-confident, apt to take risks, willing to overlook others well beings, and almost entirely focused on the near future. All which MacIntyre declared to be unethical characteristic. He also believes that “an effective education into the virtues would in fact disqualify one for a successful career in the financial sector” (Alasdair); if indeed that kind of education could be provided. MacIntyres own opinion is that academic course have no hard evidences proving that they turn people into moralistic beings. Therefore, teaching college level ethics is simply a waste of time. People have already made up their minds about the type of people they want to be. Simply making them take a high level ethics course is not going to change them at

If you aren’t self-confident you impede your decision with doubt, and all your choices will be riddled with uncertainty and an overabundance of caution. I know several small and medium size business that sometimes had to just stick in their heels and decide to have faith in their business and go head to head with big competition. Usually the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the people who actually do (Jobs). Sometimes self-confidence is just the belief that things will work out, that your employees can get the job done. As long as managers have set a good moral example I believe self-confidence is a good thing. This flows right in with risk taking; you can take risk that aren’t detrimentally dangerous to your business or the people your business comes into contact with, generally a little risk is good for everyone. Small risks like stocking a new product, or hiring a new employee are inherent risks in very company. To say you must be entirely risk-adverse to be a moral being is ridiculous. MacIntyre just says that these traders are more apt to take risks, but some risk will always be necessary. Confucius understood that “Life does have its risks”