Ethics, Morals, and Business | A Parfitian Approach

More than a decade ago I came across a fascinating piece in The New Yorker about a then current moral absolutist atheist philosopher (that's a mouthful), that had a bout of transient global amnesia that wiped out his memory for a short period and further influenced his perspectives on self, morals, and ethics. Let's just say, I was intrigued.

Stuff like this is right up my alley. At the time I was revisiting a lot of philosophy texts, particularly Seneca, Bertrand Russel, Viktor Frankl; and mixing in cognitive biases and human motivator/behavior and child development texts by Kahneman, Hallowell, and Bronson, with a heavy, heavy dash of physics, chaos, and complexity (Green, Hawking, Close, Mandlebrot, Mlodanow). And let's just say it was a fertile time for some theoretical thinking that was not immediately applicable to my day-to-day, but since, has had profound impact on my views.

As a disclaimer, I don't pretend to be an expert in any of these topics, except having read and considered them extensively over several decades of my adult life. I don't have multiple complex math or physics PhDs; so my grasp of particle physics and cosmology texts I referenced is at the level of laymen (their target audience for these publications - no equations). And the degree to which I can fully process the, let's just say the "dense" work, of hardcore philosophers such as Parfit, is mediocre at best. But, like you, I'm just a simple human. And this abstract concept of "the human condition" has long since been an area of interest, and the broader and deeper I've read, and the more I've experienced life, the more it opens other doors.

After several years (yes, years) of reading Parfit's "Reasons and Persons" and "On What Matters," to make it through the text and revisiting portions many, many, many times to work them out, here's some thoughts of the philosophy of ethics in today's work context. I've had some of my own naive epiphanies, and I think, as I've learned from the authors and those around me, the degree to which the most interesting (and interested) people, see shades of grey and non-linearity that they explore. Whereas the most obtuse and dull among us, see a linear world in binary black/white, us/them, right/wrong, fallacies. They have less questions, and make more unfounded statements.

But as I consider these point, it's pretty obvious that in today's break-neck-paced, globalized world, businesses face an array of moral and ethical challenges. Grasping the fundamentals of ethics and their connection to our everyday decision-making is critical for responsible and sustainable business practices. In this blog post, we'll only scratch the surface as we delve into the work of philosopher Derek Parfit, who offers valuable insights into personal identity, ethics, and the convergence of major ethical theories. By adopting a Parfitian approach, we hope to equip business professionals with tools for ethical decision-making.

Personal Identity and its Implications in Ethics:

One of the most compelling aspects of Parfit's work is his exploration of personal identity. He proposed that our identities are not based on the continuity of a specific substance (like our bodies or souls), but on psychological connections such as memories, beliefs, and desires. This idea, known as "Relation R," implies that our identities are not as straightforward as we might think. Instead, they consist of a series of interconnected mental states. This perspective carries profound implications for ethics and moral responsibility.

For business professionals, understanding the fluidity of personal identity can help us appreciate the impact of our decisions on others. We should recognize that our actions, and the actions of the organizations we work for, have lasting effects on individuals and communities. By considering the interconnectedness of our actions, we can make more informed, responsible choices.

The Triple Theory: A Meeting Point of Ethical Approaches:

Parfit's most significant contribution to ethics is his attempt to reconcile three major ethical theories: Kantianism, contractualism, and consequentialism. In his book "On What Matters," he proposed that these theories converge on a common set of moral principles, which he called "the Triple Theory." This convergence suggests that there may be more common ground in ethical thought than we previously believed.

For business professionals, this convergence is an invitation to engage in open dialogue and collaboration when addressing ethical dilemmas. By recognizing the shared principles among different ethical theories, we can find ways to navigate complex moral questions and develop solutions that benefit all stakeholders. Applying Parfit's Principles to Business Ethics:

Focus on the Impact of Decisions: When making decisions, it's essential to consider the consequences of our actions. Consequentialism, one of the ethical theories Parfit explored, emphasizes the importance of maximizing positive outcomes and minimizing negative ones. In a business context, this means considering the long-term effects of our decisions on customers, employees, the environment, and society as a whole.
Respect Individual Rights: Kantian ethics, another approach Parfit examined, stresses the importance of respecting the inherent dignity and autonomy of each individual. In the business world, this can translate to treating employees fairly, respecting customer privacy, and engaging in ethical marketing practices.
Foster Fairness and Cooperation: Contractualism, the third ethical theory in Parfit's Triple Theory, is based on the idea that moral principles should be derived from mutual agreements among individuals. In business, this can mean creating an organizational culture that promotes fairness, transparency, and cooperation among team members, while also considering the needs and interests of external stakeholders.
Encourage Ethical Dialogue: As we've seen, Parfit's work highlights the common ground among different ethical theories. Business professionals should embrace this spirit of collaboration and engage in open, honest conversations about ethical dilemmas. By fostering a culture of ethical dialogue, organizations can create an environment where employees feel empowered to voice their concerns and work together to develop ethical solutions.
Cultivate Ethical Leadership: Parfit's work teaches us that ethical decision-making is not just about following a set of rules or guidelines. It requires an ongoing process of reflection, dialogue, and adaptation. Business leaders should cultivate their ethical awareness and foster a culture of integrity within their organizations. This can involve providing training in ethical decision-making, implementing clear policies and procedures, and leading by example.
Recognize the Role of Personal Identity in Decision-Making: As mentioned earlier, Parfit's ideas on personal identity suggest that our identities are a series of interconnected mental states rather than a fixed, unchanging essence. This perspective encourages us to be more mindful of the impact our decisions have on ourselves and others. By recognizing the fluid nature of personal identity, we can better understand how our actions shape the identities of those around us and strive to make choices that contribute positively to their well-being.
Embrace the Complexity of Ethical Dilemmas: Parfit's Triple Theory shows us that ethical dilemmas can be complex and multifaceted, with no easy answers. Rather than seeking a one-size-fits-all solution, we should be open to exploring different ethical perspectives and adapting our approach as needed. This flexibility can help us find innovative, nuanced solutions to ethical challenges that benefit all stakeholders.

In conclusion, Derek Parfit's work on personal identity, ethics, and the convergence of major ethical theories provides a powerful framework for navigating the complex world of business ethics. By applying Parfit's principles to our decision-making processes, we can develop a more responsible, sustainable approach to business and contribute positively to the well-being of our employees, customers, communities, and the environment. As business professionals, embracing the Parfitian approach can help us create a better future for all.

Additional reading:

"Reasons and Persons" | Derek Parfit
"On What Matters" | Derek Parfit
"How to Be Good" | Larissa MacFarquhar (The New Yorker 2011.09.05) https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/09/05/how-to-be-good
"On Benefits" | Seneca
"Letters From a Stoic" | Seneca
"The Fractalist: Memoir of a Scientific Maverick" | Benoit Mandelbrot
"The Fractal Geometry of Nature" | Benoit Mandelbrot
"The Misbehavior of Markets: A Fractal View of Financial Turbulence" | Benoit Mandelbrot
"Neutrino" | Frank Close
"Antimatter" | Frank Close
"Nothing: A Very Short Introduction" | Frank Close
"Particle Physics: A Very Short Introduction" | Frank Close
"Thinking, Fast and Slow" | Daniel Kahneman
"Man's Search for Meaning" | Viktol Frankl
"The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell" | Bertand Russell
"Why I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects" | Bertand Russell
"Religions, Values, and Peak-Experiences" | Abraham Maslow