This course will examine ethical issues and controversies concerning contemporary business and economics. It locates these issues within the broad theoretical framework of a free market society. We will consider such topics as: the concept and theoretical basis of a market society, consumer sovereignty, utilitarian and contract models of business ethics, profit making and social responsibility, shareholders versus stakeholders, self-interest and altruism, the concept of business as a practice, history of corporations, types of ethical criticisms of the effects of markets, human rights, and conflicts of interest.

Course Outline [1]