Main themes

This course aims to provide students with the materials for a critical reflection on problems of personal and social ethics posed by running a business in the present-day world, and the specific features of the role of enterprises in economic life. The course will not suggest, let alone impose, a doctrine.

Content and teaching methods

Content
In the first part, the course will have students reflect on the following three themes:
- the specific features and content of the ethical approach;
- the theories of justice in moral philosophy and in political philosophy;
- the aim and role of enterprises in the present-day economy.
In the second part, the course will examine some concrete situations posed by the problem of the responsibility of enterprises and/or their directors vis-à-vis society, the environment, specific social groups (e.g. suppliers, consumers and sub-contractors), and vis-à-vis their staff (e.g. management styles and enterprise culture).
Methodology
The course will use teaching methods that are as participative as possible (e.g. personal and group work based on texts and on contacts with actors, and group discussion).

Other credits in programs