Ethics and Economics: An Introduction to Free Markets, Equality and Happiness

This textbook applies economic ethics to evaluate the free market system and enables students to examine the impact of free markets using the three main ethical approaches: utilitarianism, principle-based ethics, and virtue ethics. It systematically links empirical research to these ethical questions, with a focus on the core topics of happiness, inequality, and virtues. The final chapter provides a practical method for applying the different ethical approaches to morally evaluate an economic policy proposal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Ethics and Economics is a comprehensive textbook that delves into the evaluation of the free market system through the lens of economic ethics. It empowers students to explore the impact of free markets by employing three primary ethical approaches: utilitarianism, principle-based ethics, and virtue ethics. This text seamlessly integrates empirical research with these ethical inquiries, with a particular emphasis on the central themes of happiness, inequality, and virtues. Each chapter concludes with a comprehensive list of recommended further readings, enhancing the learning experience. In the final chapter, the book presents a practical methodology for applying these ethical approaches to morally evaluate economic policy proposals. Furthermore, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the practical application of the methodology to a real-life policy.

Ethics and Economics serves as a valuable resource for courses in economic ethics and economic philosophy, providing students with a clear theoretical and methodological framework for analyzing the ethics of market policies. The Open Access version of this book, accessible at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, is made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial (CC-BY-NC) 4.0 license, ensuring widespread access and dissemination of knowledge.

By delving into the complexities of economic ethics, Ethics and Economics equips students with the tools necessary to critically evaluate the ethical implications of market systems and their impact on individuals, societies, and the environment. It encourages a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions of economic decision-making and promotes responsible and ethical behavior in the field of economics.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 177 x 254 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032020624