Between Ethics and Economics: A Moral Leeway Approach to Business Ethics

Title
Between Ethics and Economics: A Moral Leeway Approach to Business Ethics
Publication Date
2026-07-30
Author(s)
Sandberg, Joakim
Walsh, Adrian
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1959-254X
Email: awalsh@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:awalsh
Type of document
Book
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Place of publication
Cambridge, United Kingdom
DOI
10.1017/9781009483681
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/74635
Abstract

What ethical norms and obligations apply to economic agents such as companies and consumers? This question sits between two distinct strands of thought: ethics and economics. While economic behaviour often centres on self-interest and competition, ethical thinking emphasises empathy and cooperation. Business ethics seeks to bridge this divide—but past approaches have leaned too heavily toward either moral idealism or economic detachment. This book proposes a more balanced framework, where both ethical and economic reasoning have their place. Drawing on historical and contemporary debates, the authors examine key issues including the profit motive, justice in prices and wages, market harms, the limited liability corporation, and corporate social responsibility. The resulting theory is sensitive to the unique moral dynamics of market contexts and their broader societal consequences. Between Ethics and Economics is essential reading for anyone interested in how ethics and economics intersect in today's marketplace.

Link
ISBN
9781009483681
9781009483711
9781009483698

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