Reconciling Economics and Ethics in Business Ethics Education: The Case of Objectivism

Journal of Ayn Rand Studies, 2015

29 Pages Posted: 3 Feb 2016

See all articles by Eric Dent

Eric Dent

Florida Gulf Coast University; Florida Gulf Coast University - Lutgert College of Business

John A. Parnell

University of North Alabama

Date Written: February 1, 2016

Abstract

Today, capitalism is in question, as the 2013 Academy of Management conference theme claimed. Many view business skeptically because they see capitalism as incompatible with ethics. The same problem pervades the business ethics education classroom. Business ethics can be taught in a way that demonstrates that economics and ethics are compatible and are integrated most directly in the function of management. This essay provides an overview of Ayn Rand’s philosophy as an alternative to current conventions but largely consistent with approaches such as virtue ethics and conscious capitalism. The essay concludes with challenges to teaching Objectivism in business schools.

Suggested Citation

Dent, Eric and Parnell, John A., Reconciling Economics and Ethics in Business Ethics Education: The Case of Objectivism (February 1, 2016). Journal of Ayn Rand Studies, 2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2726060

Eric Dent (Contact Author)

Florida Gulf Coast University ( email )

10485 FGCU Blvd S
Ft. Myers, FL 33965-6565
United States

Florida Gulf Coast University - Lutgert College of Business ( email )

10485 FGCU Blvd S
Fort Myers, FL
United States

John A. Parnell

University of North Alabama ( email )

College of Business
Florence, AL 35630
United States

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