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Hegel on Modern Economics and Business

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Handbook of the Philosophical Foundations of Business Ethics

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Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to make use of Hegel’s theory about the integral interplay between economics and ethics, which is elaborated in his book Philosophy of Right ([1]). Hegel understands the economy to be part of the ideal ethical state in which human freedom is realized. The chapter focuses on two key aspects of Hegel’s understanding: first, Hegel’s philosophical interpretation of the economic principles of needs and work and second, Hegel’s ethical criticism of civil society (bürgerliche Gesellschaft) and of its members (businessmen or bourgeois) (Hegel talks about economics and uses the term “bürgerliche Gesellschaft,” translated into English as “civil society.” In this chapter, I use the terms “civil society,” “business society,” and “business estate” interchangeably.). Hegel’s ethical criticism of business men who are only interested in profits and who do not respect social values is more relevant today than ever.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Some researchers speak about eudaemonic will in the same sense (see [6], p. 41).

  2. 2.

    Ver Eecke calls it the paradox of the will and freedom: the will restricts itself to the moment of dissipation and is free at the same time (see [6] p. 40).

  3. 3.

    Hegel’s theory also has several shortcomings: The expression of one’s self is a relevant moral consideration, but it is not the sole reason for granting property rights with respect to that object (see [12], p. 326).

  4. 4.

    These arguments are elaborated in the writings of the Scottish economists, especially Adam Smith. Hegel based his philosophical reflections on these writings (see [13]).

References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch Gladbach, FHDW, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany

    Dr. Albena Neschen

  2. Seminar of Corporate Development and Business Ethics, University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, Cologne, 50923, Germany

    Dr. Albena Neschen

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  1. Dr. Albena Neschen
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Correspondence to Albena Neschen .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Peter Löscher-Stiftungslehrstuhl für Wirtschaftsethik, Technische Universität München, München, Germany

    Christoph Luetge

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Neschen, A. (2013). Hegel on Modern Economics and Business. In: Luetge, C. (eds) Handbook of the Philosophical Foundations of Business Ethics. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1494-6_36

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1494-6_36

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-007-1493-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-1494-6

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