FOUNDATION OF

THE PRINCIPLES OF
BUSINESS ETHICS
 LESSON 1: ILLUSTRATE HOW THESE
PHILOSOPHIES ARE REFLECTED INTO
BUSINESS PRACTICES

The philosophies of these Classical

Philosophers have great implications on
business and are the foundations of the
principles of the business ethics.
 THE CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHIES
SPECIFICALLY, VIRTUE ETHICS

SOCRATES PLATO ARISTOTLE CONFUCIUS

PLUTARCH EPICURUS IMMANUEL KANT

SOCRATES
He is known for his classic philosophy, “HAVE THE COURAGE TO
DISAGREE.” He is best known for the Socratic method of question and answer.
The Socratic method is a way of thinking that allows individuals to define their
own purpose for learning. In business, administrators ought not to sleepwalk or
basically oblige the group.

PLATO
THE POWER TO RULE. His prime belief was that a person must study
themselves in order to find out their level of character. He is acclaimed
for his choices regarding the matter of the real world. In business, it is
constantly vital to know the qualities and shortcomings of everybody.
 ARISTOTLE
LET PEOPLE SEEK FULFILLMENT. He was the most practical and
business oriented of all philosophers. In business, the association must
give and condition that is conducive to human development and
satisfaction.

CONFUCIUS
The most famous for his golden rule: DO NOT DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT
YOU DO NOT WANT OTHERS DO UNTO YOU, and his famous classic
philosophy is LIVE A CONTENTED, MORAL AND HAPPY LIFE.
Confucian values can aid in the creation of business leaders who are true
leaders of the society.
 PLUTARCH
An ancient Greek historian and teacher believed that people
are social creatures who observe and emulate those around
them. His organizational theory, "BE A GOOD ROLE
MODEL," emphasizes the importance of actions over words
in leadership. Staff members observe their leader's behavior,
interactions with others, stress management, and reliability,
and replicate them.
EPICURUS
THE ART OF HAPPINESS. Epicurus was a fourth century
Greek philosopher who taught, rather scandalously, that the
aim of life was simply to be as happy as possible here on
Earth. He warned that humans are very bad at being happy,
and very good at inventing reasons to be miserable. Today,
some companies are embracing Epicurus' philosophy, and
trying to teach their employees the art of happiness.
IMMANUEL KANT
"Duty based Ethics". He is one of the most influential
philosophers in the history of Western Philosophy. He was not
concerned with the consequences of one's actions or the harm
caused to one's individual interests. Instead, he is focused on
motives and the willingness of individuals to act for the good of
others, even if the action might result to personal loss. Doing
something for the right reason was more important to Kant than
any particular outcome.
THANK YOU
SO MUCH