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“Be Not Conformed to this World”: MacIntyre’s Critique of Modernity and Amish Business Ethics

Author

Listed:
  • Sunny Jeong

    (Wittenberg University)

  • Matthew Sinnicks

    (University of Southampton)

  • Nicholas Burton

    (Northumbria University)

  • Mai Chi Vu

    (Northumbria University)

Abstract

This paper draws on MacIntyre’s ethical thought to illuminate a hitherto underexplored religious context for business ethics, that of the Amish. It draws on an empirical study of Amish settlements in Holmes County, Ohio, and aims to deepen our understanding of Amish business ethics by bringing it into contact with an ethical theory that has had a significant impact within business ethics, that of Alasdair MacIntyre. It also aims to extend MacIntyrean thought by drawing on his neglected critique of modernity in the context of business ethics. The Amish context allows us to appreciate the relationship between MacIntyre’s critique of modernity, his conception of practices and communities, and his distinctive approach to the virtues. It also helps us to better understand how the ethical life is possible within our emotivist culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Sunny Jeong & Matthew Sinnicks & Nicholas Burton & Mai Chi Vu, 2024. "“Be Not Conformed to this World”: MacIntyre’s Critique of Modernity and Amish Business Ethics," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 195(4), pages 729-761, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:195:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-024-05651-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-024-05651-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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