Course content

The pressure on business to take social responsibility has increased the last few decades. Globalization and other structural changes in society and economic life are parts of the reason for this development. Does a strengthening of corporate power mean an increased social responsibility for business? Or is the business realm free from moral responsibility in the pursuit of pure economic gains? This course aims at discussing the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from a philosophical and ethical perspective, focussing on the relationship between ethical reasoning and economic rationality.

Learning outcome

The course will provide the students with an overview of current normative theories on the social responsibility of business.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and plenary discussions. Information regarding the essay: Front page must contain course code, date and student id. The essay should be 10-12 pages long in 12 point Times New Roman, 1,5 line spacing. Date of submission will be announced.

Compulsory assignments

• One supervision on the essay and 80% attendence in lectures and seminars.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Students must be admitted to the Erasmus Mundus programme "Master in Applied Ethics" or the Master's programme in Philosophy.

Course materials

A compendium is available at Tapir bookstore, NTNU, Dragvoll campus.