The Routledge Companion to Business Ethics

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Business ethics and religious belief

Kenneth J. Barnes

A consideration of business ethics from the perspective of historic religions is fraught with difficulties, not least because business as we understand it today bears little resemblance to the economic activity of ancient times. Similarly, the ethical frameworks inherent in religious systems are often amalgamations of various influences ranging from parochial traditions and interpretations of religious texts to the influence of culture, scientific discovery and philosophical inquiry. In this manner, religion incorporates both doctrinal texts as well as elements of practice. Additionally, religious ethics may be informed by voices outside religious communities themselves, such as the ...