Critical Theory Ethics for Business and Public Administration (Hc)

A volume in Ethics in PracticeSeries Editors Robert A. Giacalone, Temple Universityand Carole L. Jurkiewicz, Louisiana State UniversityThe purpose of this book is to develop ethical traditions based on Kant, Horkheimer, and others, toextend beyond the level of individual behavior to address the social system level in business andpublic administration. It is not enough to try to be good or ethical as individuals when it is systemicprocesses which are fostering unethical behavior. Horkheimer's books Eclipse of Reason and Critiqueof Instrumental Reason, and his early and now classic essay Materialism and Morality, askfor a reformation of Kantian ethics. The reform is sought because the categorical imperative,within the context of an individualism capitalism, serves to worsen the difference between businessethics and moral philosophy. Therefore, Horkheimer asks that the maxims that would be made universalwould be done at the level of people organizing with others. This is the level addressed inthis volume, as we seek to change the system that is producing and reproducing unethical behaviors.