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International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

193256

Can corporate capitalism be redeemed?

Business ethics and the search for a renewed faith in work

Robert E. McNulty

pp. 235-252

Abstract

This chapter investigates the relationship between faith, work, corporate capitalism and business ethics. The faith perspective with which it is concerned—though sharing some common elements with the faith associated with some religious traditions—is not tied to a particular religion or theology, but constitutes an existential commitment that guides people amidst the limitations inherent to human understanding. The authors assert that all work is guided by a faith that gives it purpose. However, over the last century the dominant system for organizing work has been corporate capitalism, which is guided by a faith according to which the ultimate purpose of work is profit maximization and personal enrichment. It is argued that this is a debasing faith and that work needs to be redeemed by a faith consistent with business ethics that affirms the dignity of work through service to the greater good.

Publication details

Published in:

Wautischer Helmut, Olson Alan, Walters Gregory J. (2012) Philosophical faith and the future of humanity. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 235-252

DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2223-1_21

Full citation:

McNulty Robert E. (2012) „Can corporate capitalism be redeemed?: Business ethics and the search for a renewed faith in work“, In: H. Wautischer, A. Olson & G. J. Walters (eds.), Philosophical faith and the future of humanity, Dordrecht, Springer, 235–252.