Business Ethics: The Promise of Neuroscience

Journal of Business Ethics, 144(4), 679-697, DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3312-6

48 Pages Posted: 10 Sep 2016 Last revised: 15 Sep 2017

See all articles by Diana Robertson

Diana Robertson

University of Pennsylvania - Legal Studies Department

Christian Voegtlin

ZHAW School of Management and Law; University of Zurich - Department of Business Administration; University of Zurich - Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Information Technology

Thomas Maak

University of South Australia

Date Written: 2017

Abstract

Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience research portend well for furthering understanding of many of the fundamental questions in the field of business ethics, both normative and empirical. This article provides an overview of neuroscience methodology and brain structures, and explores the areas in which neuroscience research has contributed findings of value to business ethics, as well as suggesting areas for future research. Neuroscience research is especially capable of providing insight into individual reactions to ethical issues, while also raising challenging normative questions about the nature of moral responsibility, autonomy, intent, and free will. This article also provides a brief summary of the papers included in this special issue, attesting to the richness of scholarly inquiry linking neuroscience and business ethics. We conclude that neuroscience offers considerable promise to the field of business ethics, but we caution against overpromise.

Suggested Citation

Robertson, Diana and Voegtlin, Christian and Maak, Thomas, Business Ethics: The Promise of Neuroscience (2017). Journal of Business Ethics, 144(4), 679-697, DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3312-6, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2836522

Diana Robertson

University of Pennsylvania - Legal Studies Department ( email )

3730 Walnut Street
Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6365
United States

Christian Voegtlin (Contact Author)

ZHAW School of Management and Law ( email )

St.-Georgen-Platz 2
Winterthur, 8401
Switzerland

University of Zurich - Department of Business Administration ( email )

Universitätsstr. 84
CH-8006 Zürich, 8006
Switzerland

University of Zurich - Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Information Technology ( email )

Plattenstrasse 14
Zürich, 8032
Switzerland

Thomas Maak

University of South Australia ( email )

37-44 North Terrace, City West Campus
Adelaide, South Australia 5001
Australia

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