Critical Theory Ethics for Business and Public Administration

A volume in Ethics in Practice Series Editors Robert A. Giacalone, Temple University and Carole L. Jurkiewicz, Louisiana State University The purpose of this book is to develop ethical traditions based on Kant, Horkheimer, and others, to extend beyond the level of individual behavior to address the social system level in business and public administration. It is not enough to try to be good or ethical as individuals when it is systemic processes which are fostering unethical behavior. Horkheimer's books Eclipse of Reason and Critique of Instrumental Reason, and his early and now classic essay Materialism and Morality, ask for a reformation of Kantian ethics. The reform is sought because the categorical imperative, within the context of an individualism capitalism, serves to worsen the difference between business ethics and moral philosophy. Therefore, Horkheimer asks that the maxims that would be made universal would be done at the level of people organizing with others. This is the level addressed in this volume, as we seek to change the system that is producing and reproducing unethical behaviors.