Virtue and Social Enterprise: Ethical Alternatives to Capitalism

This book explores Alasdair MacIntyre's writings on virtue ethics and John Pearce's reformist and radical forms of social enterprise, providing a philosophical grounding for Pearce's ideas and expanding MacIntyre's views on virtue to address global issues created by the capitalist paradigm.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 11 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This captivating book delves into the profound and thought-provoking writings of Alasdair MacIntyre on virtue ethics, alongside the reformist and radical approaches of John Pearce in the realm of social enterprise. While Pearce's work has undoubtedly made significant academic contributions, he has openly acknowledged that his ideas lack the necessary philosophical foundation. In response, Geraldine Hall turns to MacIntyre for the necessary underpinnings, presenting a novel synthesis of the works of these two influential thinkers. Through this synthesis, a philosophical grounding is established for Pearce's radical form of social enterprise, expanding the scope of MacIntyre's views on virtue to address the global challenges posed by the capitalist paradigm.

With a foreword by Kelvin Knight, this book holds immense appeal to scholars and students engaged in the study of Alasdair MacIntyre, virtue ethics, business ethics, and social responsibility. It offers a rich and insightful exploration of these critical topics, providing valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen our understanding of these important subjects.

The book begins by providing an introduction to the ideas and influences of Alasdair MacIntyre and John Pearce. It explores their respective contributions to the field of social enterprise and highlights the gaps in their approaches. Hall then skillfully integrates the insights of MacIntyre and Pearce, offering a coherent and comprehensive framework for understanding the ethical dimensions of social enterprise.

One of the key strengths of this book is its ability to bridge the gap between philosophy and practical application. Hall seamlessly weaves together theoretical discussions and real-world examples, demonstrating how the principles of virtue ethics can be applied to the challenges and opportunities of social enterprise. She provides practical insights and strategies for creating and sustaining socially responsible businesses, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Throughout the book, MacIntyre's views on virtue are given greater depth and scope. Hall explores his concept of "virtue ethics as a practice," highlighting the importance of cultivating virtuous individuals and communities. She examines how MacIntyre's ideas can be applied to address the ethical dilemmas faced by businesses and organizations, such as the exploitation of workers, environmental degradation, and social inequality.

In addition to MacIntyre's insights, Hall also draws on the works of other philosophers and thinkers to provide a broader philosophical framework for social enterprise. She discusses the concept of "social capital" and how it can be used to promote social responsibility and sustainable development. She also explores the role of empathy and compassion in creating ethical and sustainable business practices, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with stakeholders and communities.

The book concludes with a reflection on the future of social enterprise and the role of virtue ethics in shaping it. Hall argues that social enterprise has the potential to create a more just and sustainable world, but it requires a commitment to ethical principles and a willingness to challenge the dominant capitalist paradigm. She calls for a renewed focus on the values of social responsibility and sustainability, and encourages individuals and organizations to embrace the transformative power of social enterprise.

In summary, Virtue and Social Enterprise: Ethical Alternatives to Capitalism is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Alasdair MacIntyre's writings on virtue ethics and John Pearce's reformist and radical forms of social enterprise. Through a novel synthesis of the works of these two authors, Geraldine Hall provides a philosophical grounding for Pearce's radical form of social enterprise, expanding the scope of MacIntyre's views on virtue to address the global challenges created by the capitalist paradigm. With a foreword, this book holds immense appeal to scholars and students engaged in the study of Alasdair MacIntyre, virtue ethics, business ethics, and social responsibility. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen our understanding of these important subjects and inspire us to embrace the transformative power of social enterprise in creating a more just and sustainable world.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031140266
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022