The course examines the common perceptions of business (both positive and negative) and the role of business in a market economy by first introducing the main elements of a market economy, and then presenting opposing points of view of this economic model.The course encourages reflection upon the possibility that business can be honorable and play a role in a just and humane society.
Why Business? What is the Role of Business in a Just and Humane Society
Why Business? What is the Role of Business in a Just and Humane Society
This course is part of Ethical Leadership Specialization
Instructor: James Otteson
2,468 already enrolled
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4.8
(18 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
22 hours to complete
3 weeks at 7 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 assignments
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
Instructor
Instructor ratings
5.0 (8 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Leadership and Management
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Open University
Fundação Instituto de Administração
Illinois Tech
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