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Abibisika (Black Gold) Points
Thoughts on Ethical Business practices.
Capitalism spirit.
How does the saying “honor among thieves” goes?
Honor (or Honour) Among Thieves is a phrase suggesting honour within a group that is not considered honourable, trustworthy, or morally righteous to outsiders.
Does the spirit of capitalism inspire “honor among thieves” relationships?
The idea that capitalism inspires an “honor among thieves” relationship is a philosophical and ethical question with no single answer, drawing diverse opinions on the role of morality and self-interest in a lawless free market system. The phrase “honor among thieves” itself implies a code of immoral ethics within an otherwise illicit group, a concept which some analyze in relation to business and corruption.
Arguments for Ethical Behavior
Proponents of capitalism argue that the system, while based on self-interest, actually encourages ethical and trustworthy behavior for long-term success.
Reputation and Trust:
In a competitive market, a reputation for honesty and reliability is valuable. Businesses that consistently break promises or cheat customers will likely lose out to more trustworthy competitors.
So-call Voluntary Exchange:
Capitalism fundamentally relies on voluntary transactions and a legal framework that protects against force, fraud, and theft. This structure provides the occasion for moral choice, as individuals choose whether to act ethically.
Channels for monopoly and “Bad” Behavior:
As some interpretations of Adam Smith suggest, the system can channel the natural selfish human desire for personal gain (often labeled greed) into actions that seems to benefit society (AI and social media) as a whole, such as the butcher, the brewer, and the baker providing goods for the community.
Arguments for Exploitation and Amoral Behavior
Critics, often drawing on Marxist or other critical theories, argue that capitalism inherently fosters exploitation and a “predatory” culture.
Profit Motive over Morality:
The primary drive for profit can lead companies to prioritize financial gain over ethical considerations, such as fair wages, environmental impact, or product safety, especially in contexts with weak regulations.
Self-entitled and Unequal Power Dynamics:
The relationship between capital owners and workers (slave-master) is fundamentally unequal, allowing owners to extract surplus value (profit) from labor, which some critics define as exploitation.
Crony Capitalism and Corruption:
In practice, wealth concentration can lead to undue influence on government (e.g., through lobbying), creating “crony capitalism” where a level playing field is weakened and a system of mutual benefit for the powerful emerges, akin to a form of organized crime “honor among thieves” that excludes the public good.
Ultimately, the relationship between capitalism and morality is perceived as complex, with some views focusing on the system’s capacity to reward virtue and others highlighting its potential to facilitate exploitation and self-serving alliances among those in power.
“Ultimately, the relationship between capitalism and morality is perceived as complex”
It is not complex if we follow the “Golden rule” law of nature.
