The course introduces into the philosophical foundations of normative analyses of ecnomic relations and institutions. Broadly speaking, we will analyze the morals of markets, competition, ownership, economic liberty and inequality, as well as some of the specific moral requirements faced by entrepreneurs, employees, corporate executives, consumers and lawmakers. The first part covers basic moral terminology as well as the most important accounts of moral and political philosophy, and the special characteristics of 'economic' ethics, or ethical and moral norms within the specific context of market transactions. The second part presents major positions in contemporary political philosophy that address justifications of different modes of economic organisation and distributive principles. The third part turns to specific problems of individual economic action as they would be discussed in classical business ethics.
The main topics of the course are intruduced in the weely lectures on Tuesdays. The tutorial sessions that focus on applied cases will take place virtually (weekly on Fridays, 8-10 am). All background readings and course materials will be provided through a learnweb-course at the beginning of the term.
- Lehrende/r: Simon Derpmann