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Ethical Issues in the Economy
Grundprobleme der Wirtschaftsethik
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:02
Abstract
Ecological crises and growing social inequalities rise the urgent question: Is the global way we are doing economics reasonable? – Which kind of wealth is illegitimate? Is a policy of of de-growth needed for protecting our ecological niche? Will technological devices e.g. AI-driven market designs for public goods be the solution or is a change of attitudes necessary to cope with such problems?
Objective
Participants should learn to know and being enabled to evaluate answers to the following questions: 1. To which extent are economic success and wealth something deserved, and to which extent are they the outcome of lucky circumstances or favorable conditions? And what follows from the answer for the judgment on social inequalities? 2. How much consumption and growth are enough? 3. Which commons should not be privatized? 4. What should entrepreneurs and consumers be responsible for? 5. Does a sharing economy promote a responsible way of doing business? 6. Are technologies for regulating production and allocation of ressources as well as regulating consumptions of goods apt to cope with problems of social inequality, of protecting our ecological niche, and do they empower producers, investors and consumers to act responsible? 7. What are the good things and what are the bad things about the global capitalist scheme doing business in the 21st century? 8. Do we need a de-globalization of doing economics?
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Grundprobleme der Wirtschaftsethik |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Mechanical and Process Engineering (More Information at: )