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Many ethicists endorse a character-based approach to business ethics (CBE). This approach includes a focus on the development of particular traits of character amenable to virtuous business practices. Character skeptics claim, however, that traditional understandings of character are challenged by various findings in empirical psychology. While defenders of CBE have responded to this skeptical challenge, these responses are very similar to those made in defense of a more general virtue ethical theory against character skepticism. Joseph Spino, a candidate for the McNeil Professorship, will argue that whatever promise such responses to character skepticism have in defending a general virtue ethical theory, they are not up to the task of defending CBE. As a result, CBE is in need of novel responses to character skepticism or significant revision.

For more information, contact Professor Ludger Viefhues-Bailey at [email protected]