The first part of the paper is devoted to an analysis of the thought of A. Smith on the bases of which we argues in supports of the view that ethics and economics are closely linked in human relations and, specifically, in the market. The literature on continuity or discontinuity between Smith, moral philosopher Adam Smith economist is very wide. In the essay, based on historical and theoretical analysis, it is argued in support of the unity of the thought of Smith and proves the argument that the Wealth of Nations integrates the ethical elements present in the Theory of Moral Sentiments. In particular, are analyzed: the benevolence, sympathy, self - love and property. Since the latter is a criterion of proper degree that the spectator sympathetic and impartial adopt to express a value judgment on behavior, in the market choices come into play the self - love and sympathy and not the benevolence as not appropriate to the context. It follows that A. Smith is not a precursor of the theory of homo economicus and does not support the total separation between the reasons of ethics and the resons of economy. In support of this interpretation, it is evident that two economists and philosophers, who see themselves as "heirs" of A. Smith, F. Hayek and A. Sen, converge, despite the significant differences that characterize their thinking, on stressing, both, tha he is not a theoric of a perfect competition, or of homo economicus. For F. Hayek and A. Sen, if the market is inherently dynamic and choices of social actors are not reducible to self - interest of optimizing homo economicus, but a number of reasons, if the decisions are related to relational contexts, the recall to identification of mode and rules in the relationship and appropriateness of the choices and actions extend the domain of ethics to the whole range of responsibilities and contextual justifications that market relations involve. On this basis, the second part of the essay, in the light of the criticisms advanced by A. Sen's theory of rational choice, its proposed a theory of reasonable choice that takes into account the heterogeneity and complexity of morality. In the elaboration of moral judgment are prioritized, in consideration of the context and the network of relationships within is involved the decision maker, the principles of ethics, consequentialist, of bias. He also has the burden of giving the reasons why it favors the one with respect to the other. In particular, it is shown, with reference to some "cases", how the analysis of the environmental conditions is essential in guiding the choice. Finally, are taken into account, as the scope of reasonable choice, ethics and corporate social responsibility by proposing an approach based on stakeholder theory in the version of RE Freeman and R. Velamuri. It is a vision which is enhanced proactive management of ethics in light of the centrality accorded to the stakeholders. Consequently, market choices do not have the sole purpose, the pursuit of profit, but the response to the needs of stakeholders and the management of possible conflicts between them. In this way, it’s posiible to implement the recomposition of ethics and economics on the basis of reasonable decisions.

Scelte di mercato

MANTI, FRANCO
2010-01-01

Abstract

The first part of the paper is devoted to an analysis of the thought of A. Smith on the bases of which we argues in supports of the view that ethics and economics are closely linked in human relations and, specifically, in the market. The literature on continuity or discontinuity between Smith, moral philosopher Adam Smith economist is very wide. In the essay, based on historical and theoretical analysis, it is argued in support of the unity of the thought of Smith and proves the argument that the Wealth of Nations integrates the ethical elements present in the Theory of Moral Sentiments. In particular, are analyzed: the benevolence, sympathy, self - love and property. Since the latter is a criterion of proper degree that the spectator sympathetic and impartial adopt to express a value judgment on behavior, in the market choices come into play the self - love and sympathy and not the benevolence as not appropriate to the context. It follows that A. Smith is not a precursor of the theory of homo economicus and does not support the total separation between the reasons of ethics and the resons of economy. In support of this interpretation, it is evident that two economists and philosophers, who see themselves as "heirs" of A. Smith, F. Hayek and A. Sen, converge, despite the significant differences that characterize their thinking, on stressing, both, tha he is not a theoric of a perfect competition, or of homo economicus. For F. Hayek and A. Sen, if the market is inherently dynamic and choices of social actors are not reducible to self - interest of optimizing homo economicus, but a number of reasons, if the decisions are related to relational contexts, the recall to identification of mode and rules in the relationship and appropriateness of the choices and actions extend the domain of ethics to the whole range of responsibilities and contextual justifications that market relations involve. On this basis, the second part of the essay, in the light of the criticisms advanced by A. Sen's theory of rational choice, its proposed a theory of reasonable choice that takes into account the heterogeneity and complexity of morality. In the elaboration of moral judgment are prioritized, in consideration of the context and the network of relationships within is involved the decision maker, the principles of ethics, consequentialist, of bias. He also has the burden of giving the reasons why it favors the one with respect to the other. In particular, it is shown, with reference to some "cases", how the analysis of the environmental conditions is essential in guiding the choice. Finally, are taken into account, as the scope of reasonable choice, ethics and corporate social responsibility by proposing an approach based on stakeholder theory in the version of RE Freeman and R. Velamuri. It is a vision which is enhanced proactive management of ethics in light of the centrality accorded to the stakeholders. Consequently, market choices do not have the sole purpose, the pursuit of profit, but the response to the needs of stakeholders and the management of possible conflicts between them. In this way, it’s posiible to implement the recomposition of ethics and economics on the basis of reasonable decisions.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11567/235074
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