Applied Ethics: Business Ethics

Business ethics examines the moral principles and problems that arise in the world of commerce. The AQA A-Level specification requires you to understand key concepts such as corporate social responsibility, globalisation, and the tension between profit and ethics, and to apply the major ethical theories (natural moral law, utilitarianism, Kantian ethics) to business practices.

Key Definition: Business ethics is the application of ethical principles and moral standards to business activities, institutions, and behaviour. It asks whether businesses have moral obligations beyond the pursuit of profit.

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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate social responsibility is the idea that businesses have obligations not only to their shareholders (owners) but also to wider society. These obligations may include environmental protection, fair treatment of workers, community engagement, and ethical sourcing.

Key Definition: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the principle that businesses should consider the social, environmental, and ethical impact of their activities, not merely their financial performance.

Milton Friedman (1912–2006) vs Edward Freeman (b. 1951)

The debate about CSR is often framed as a disagreement between two perspectives: