In this seminar we discuss how the ethical theory taught in Part 1 can be applied in your work life. The aim throughout is to arm you with understanding, ideas, criteria and thinking skills which will enable you to make better decisions henceforth.

This course can be customised to your interests. There is scope to discuss particular examples, issues and decisions selected by you. Topics which can be covered include but are not limited to:

Corporate Social Responsibility – an overview

Social Purpose and doing right by stakeholders: How can business be conducted in a way which benefits all stakeholders? How should shareholders, managers and employees treat each other, suppliers, customers, other businesses and the wider community?

Sustainability: What do we owe future generations? What are we each entitled to inherit from previous generations? How can we build businesses, an economy and a way of life which are sustainable into the distant future? How can we have a productive economy and ensure individuals are fairly rewarded whilst protecting the environment for future generations?

What is the nature of the free market and how can regulators and participants ensure it operates optimally? With a special focus on research, innovation, efficiency and progress.

What is the nature of money?

Inform and Inspire: Ethical marketing, advertising, sales, PR, product/service development and pricing.

How can your organisation optimally foster and harness the talents and creativity of all? How should your organisation think about wages, training, working conditions (including flexible working) and retirement? How can you ensure good manager-employee relations? How can your organisation encourage honest, open, frank discussion? How can your organisation build harmonious teams?

How can your organisation promote equality and avoid discrimination?

How can conflict be ethically resolved?

What is the best way to deal with stakeholders – including colleagues, customers and suppliers – who are ‘difficult’?

How to contribute towards the Common Good through your choice of career and conduct during your career

Ethical leadership: Communication, collaboration, education and example

Ethical Governance: Providing guidance, moulding culture and instilling confidence, without imposing a straight-jacket

Globalisation and nationalism

There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion.

No prior knowledge is required for this philosophy course. It will appeal to all who are willing to think deeply and rationally in order to develop new solutions to the pressing problems facing business today.