The Ethical Turn: Reshaping Capitalism from Within for the Greater Good

In an era marked by war, division, and existential threats, the idea of prioritizing the common good and ethical conduct is gaining traction, challenging the prevailing cynicism and self-interest. The article posits that powerful leaders and business figures often appear more like fictional villains than heroes, favoring brute force over negotiation and cooperation. This bleak outlook, however, is met with a counter-narrative: the possibility of enacting positive change from within the existing system.

Philosopher Markus Gabriel, far from being a revolutionary, proposes an "ethical capitalism" where "the business of business is doing good." This vision does not call for a utopian shift to universal virtue but rather an organizational framework that makes ethical actions profitable. Gabriel's "New Enlightenment" aims to reconcile moral and economic values, suggesting that a "new ethic" is needed to regulate the economy, ensuring it meets real human needs and those of future generations. This reconciliation, he argues, can be achieved through a combination of coercive state regulation and corporate self-regulation.

The concept draws parallels with initiatives like the Green New Deal, which seeks to leverage the fight against climate change as an economic engine. The underlying principle is to align economic interests with moral imperatives. The article also touches upon the critique of "bullshit jobs," a term coined by anthropologist David Graeber, highlighting that even well-paid, prestigious positions can be ethically questionable if they do not contribute positively to society. This suggests a broader re-evaluation of work and its societal impact is necessary for a more ethical future.