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How to Object to the Profit System (and How Not To)

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  • Gregory J. Robson

    (Iowa State University
    University of Notre Dame (Mendoza College of Business))

Abstract

This article introduces the Normative Representativeness Requirement (NRR) on any moral objection to a decentralized, profit-oriented system of political economy. I develop and defend the NRR and then show why the most important recent critique of the profit system—which I call The Moderate Critique (developed by, for instance, Elizabeth Anderson)—fails to meet the NRR. This article also defends the radical claim that no objection to the profit system itself, rather than just key aspects or salient instances of it, succeeds in meeting the NRR. Critics of the profit system should not seek an alternative to the profit system, but, at most, an alternative within it.

Suggested Citation

  • Gregory J. Robson, 2023. "How to Object to the Profit System (and How Not To)," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 188(2), pages 205-219, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:188:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-022-05317-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-022-05317-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gregory Robson, 2024. "The profit system: how (and why) to deflect the radical critique," Constitutional Political Economy, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 109-122, March.

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