Ethics Archives

How Can a Business Be Socially Responsible?

What does it mean to have social responsibility? How can a business be socially responsible? Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf believes that servant leaders will ensure that the businesses they belong to fulfill their social responsibility. They’ll do this by changing these businesses from the inside out with a clear vision of a better path forward. If you’re a leader who wants to avoid business failures by being socially responsible, keep reading.

Rationality in Game Theory: Steven Pinker Explores 3 Games

When is it rational to act irrationally? How might irrational thinking devastate an entire community? Steven Pinker examines how people make rational decisions as part of a group. He discusses game theory, which looks at how rational thinking is affected when the needs of an individual are pitted against the needs of others. In this context, he explains the zero-sum game, the volunteer’s dilemma, and the tragedy of the commons. Continue reading to understand rationality in game theory with examples from Pinker.

What Causes Cruelty? It’s Not a Lack of Empathy

What causes cruelty? What role does empathy play? Does empathy have a dark side that we must avoid? There’s a common perception that cruelty is rooted in a lack of empathy. However, psychologist Paul Bloom argues that the real culprit is misused or misplaced empathy. He believes that empathy can motivate us to behave in ways that are unjust, irrational, violent, and cruel. Keep reading to understand Bloom’s argument that violence and cruelty don’t result from a lack of empathy.

How to Be a Moral Person: Rethinking Empathy’s Role in Morality

Do we need empathy to understand and practice morality? What should guide our moral decisions? In Against Empathy, psychologist Paul Bloom argues that we rely too heavily on our emotions—especially empathy—to guide our judgments, decisions, and behavior. He suggests that our empathic responses to other people can lead us away from the morally good and right course of action. Read more to learn how to be a moral person by putting empathy in what Bloom believes is its proper place.

How to Make the World a Better Place: 5 Actions to Take

Are you ready to make a change in society? What are ways to make the world a better place? Even with so many advancements that have made lives easier, the world is far from perfect. With climate change getting worse every year and people not getting along, there’s room to make the world a safer and more enjoyable place to live in. Keep reading to learn the actions you and others can take to make the world a better place.

Stick to Your Values: Advice From Wozniak, Alba, & Hsieh

Are you clear on what you value most? How does that translate into your life and career choices? Alex Banayan interviewed some of the world’s most successful people for his book The Third Door. One theme that kept coming up was the importance of staying true to yourself and what matters most to you, even if that means making difficult choices. Keep reading to learn why it’s important that you stick to your values on your journey toward success.

Accountability in Business: When Leaders Should Apologize

Should you apologize to your team when you mess up? Is it possible to apologize too much? As difficult as it can be, it seems obvious that leaders should admit their mistakes. However, it’s not so cut and dry when and how they should apologize. In The Voltage Effect, John A. List discusses what accountability in business should look like. Keep reading for List’s advice that can help you be a better leader and teammate.

Why Is It Important to Be Honest? An Answer From Confucius

Why is it important to be honest? Is honesty just about telling the truth? In The Analects, Confucius offers direct advice about morality. He says that a single word can guide everything you do: the Chinese word “shu,” which means that you should treat others in the same way you want to be treated. One key aspect of this principle is honesty. Keep reading to learn about the importance of honesty in life.

What Is Wuwei? Confucianism’s Concept of Inaction

What is wuwei? Why does Confucius think everyone should have it? Confucius, in The Analects, urges people to live decent, moral lives. One way to do this is to go with the flow of righteousness and do nothing that’s against it. This is the philosophy of wuwei, Confucianism’s doctrine of inaction. Read more to learn what Confucius teaches about wuwei.

What Is Ren? The Confucian Concept of Humaneness

What is ren? Do you practice it? What difference would it make if you did? In The Analects, Confucius defines a good person as someone who strives to improve the world. He believes that good people must be altruistic. In other words, they act to help other people and don’t simply seek personal gain through their behavior. Continue reading to learn about the Confucian virtue of ren and how to practice it in your life for the betterment of the world around you.