Virtue Ethics and Business Ethics

Virtue Ethics and Business Ethics

When considering Aristotelian ethics and then placing them in the

context of modern business practices, it is important to note that the

Greek paradigm was very different to that of our own in the modernist

age. Homer’s Greek myths, imminent wars and conflicts and empires were

all important issues in Greek times, society however does not place

such emphasis on these in today’s society. The concept of strong bonds

in a community where individuals must dutifully care for one another

is not integral in today’s society especially in a more capitalist

society upon which the western world works and flourishes. Individuals

in a community can live without the obligation of duty to others and

without pride if they so wish. In light of this, it is worth noting

that business practice and transaction in accordance with Aristotelian

ethics would not be very common in the modern age.

Aristotelian ethics centred round the concept of improving one’ self –

to quite literally make oneself more virtuous. To become more virtuous

is to improve one’s soul – the soul for Aristotle is split into two

halves, - the irrational soul which focuses around the human desires

and the rational soul which centres on the intellectual virtues.

Aristotle argues virtue is not a quality that human beings are born

with, nor is it hereditary; however Aristotle regards virtue as

important as the care of the physical body.

That said however, Aristotelian ethics can well be applied to business

ethics. The war and empire worldview of the Ancient Greek civilisation

(because of constant threat from other empires such as the Turks and

th...

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...rs facing a moral dilemma about belief.

It can be seen therefore that virtue ethics could be very helpful when

making a moral decision – its dynamic nature especially makes it more

appealing. However, to say that it provides a better ‘moral guide than

any other ethical theory or religious standpoint could’ is not at all

the case. Virtue ethics is too elitist, and while the concept of

flourishing is integral in the theory; few will actually flourish.

Moreover, it is promotes a selfish desire to better oneself, (which is

not at all bad idea in many cases) but it could well be seen as

elitist and exploitative. Bertrand Russell is too extreme when he

states that Virtue Ethics is ‘morally repugnant’ but the basis upon

which he makes such a claim can be seen and understood because of

dated inequality of the ethical theory.