Objectivity Without Egoism: Toward Balance in Business Ethics

Business ethics is a major concern in business schools, in businesses themselves, and among the public. Many writers and teachers in the field are working to strengthen ethical decision making in business. Some writers in business ethics believe that Ayn Rand's “objectivism” is the only sound ethical view. I critically respond to a sustained case by Locke (2006) supporting Rand's view. In appraising this case, I indicate important problems that Rand's approach raises, clarify some central terms needed for assessing these problems, and suggest directions of inquiry that may help in solving them.