The University of Notre Dame

Why Business? What is the Role of Business in a Just and Humane Society

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The University of Notre Dame

Why Business? What is the Role of Business in a Just and Humane Society

This course is part of Ethical Leadership Specialization

James Otteson

Instructor: James Otteson

3,834 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identify the main elements of a market economy Explain how a market economy is supposed to work

  • Evaluate the strongest arguments for supporting a market economy Evaluate the objections to the role of business in a market economy

  • Reflect on the role of business in a just and humane society Create a personal vision statement for an honorable professional life

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Assessments

20 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

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This course is part of the Ethical Leadership Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

Many people are suspicious of business. Should they be? Can business be honorable? Is business required to “give back” to society? These are some of the questions you’ll consider during this first week of the course. I will introduce you to common perceptions of business (negative and positive) and encourage you to reflect upon the possibility that business can be honorable and play a role in a just and humane society.

What's included

7 videos22 readings6 assignments

Can everything be priced in a market? Where do prices come from, and what do they do? In this second week of the course, you will examine what prices do, learn about what they are for, and consider whether or not markets can price everything.

What's included

5 videos17 readings4 assignments1 peer review

What are the most important worries about or objections to market economies? Can markets be moral? In week 3, you will consider the social responsibilities of business. You will also consider criticisms of markets and arguments for government intervention in the economy.

What's included

5 videos16 readings5 assignments1 peer review

Can one be fully moral and at the same time engage in business in a market economy? Can one express one’s moral values and live a virtuous life in business? In Week 4, you will come full circle to address the essential question of the course: Why business? This week, you’ll reflect on the role of business in a just and humane society. You will also consider the role of business from your own perspective, and you will have a chance to examine (question) your own moral obligations as a person engaged in or with business.

What's included

6 videos17 readings5 assignments1 peer review

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Instructor

James Otteson
The University of Notre Dame
1 Course3,834 learners

Offered by

The University of Notre Dame

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.