A Primer on Business Ethics

Machan’s book is an unabashed celebration of commercial society. It is a welcome addition to a literature that is too often anti-business. — Nicholas Capaldi, Chair in Business Ethics, Loyola University of New Orleans

The authors of this book convey the essence of classical liberalism to the business world: powerful arguments in a graceful style. — Professor Alberto Benegas-Lynch, Jr., president of the Department of Economics, Argentine National Academy of Sciences

This is a lively, provocative, and thoughtful exposition and defense of the moral legitimacy of the enterprise of business. I have been looking for a good text to use in teaching business ethics. This is a great one. It could not have come along at a better time. — Charles W. Baird, director of the Smith Center, California State University, Hayward

A Primer on Business Ethics is a clear and lively text dealing with fundamental issues. It is well written and takes the important problems into account. It makes a good text for a basic undergraduate course in business ethics thanks to its engaging style. — Nicholas Rescher

Finally we have a well-organized and clearly written work that distinguishes ‘business ethics’ from ‘business bashing.’ A Primer on Business Ethics challenges the assumptions of critics and defenders of business alike. This brave and thoughtful work is excellent for the classroom―it both assists the beginner and engages the expert. — Douglas B. Rasmussen, St. Johns University

For those predisposed to view commerce with suspicion, this book will cause some face-scrunching. Machan and Chesher offer pointed discussions of business ethics, even as they eschew business-bashing. That is all the more reason to read this philosophically well-grounded, stimulating book. — Thomas Magnell, editor-in-chief, The Journal of Value Inquiry

A conceptual, pithy, philosophical work. The Appendix A (Moral and Political Theories in Brief) provides a solid foundation for those business students who have not yet studied philosophy and an effective review for those who have. — B. Barbara Boerner, Brevard College

A remarkably enlightened approach to understanding business ethics. — Richard A. Barker, Department of Buisness, Upper Iowa University

An excellent primer that introduces the subject and provides students with a clear and well-organized view of the major issues/concepts in business ethics. — Harold C. Warlick, Jr., dean of the Chapel and professor of religion and philosophy, High Point University, North Carolina

Written with friendly approach, pro-business spirit. The book is supplemented with an overview of various moral and political theories relevant to the subject matter and a collection of useful case studies that inspire further discussion. The book can also be used as a text for teaching business ethics. ― Educational Book Review