21世紀政策研究所シンポジウム「資本主義の未来を考える」　マルクス・ガブリエル ボン大学教授　講演「資本主義の未来と企業行動」

Summary

The speaker discusses ethical capitalism, emphasizing that capitalism is not inherently flawed but should be guided by moral decision-making. They argue that markets should not control everything, and that businesses must balance profits with social and ethical responsibilities. Drawing on the concepts of mutual empathy and 'true profit,' they propose that businesses contribute to societal well-being and moral outcomes. The speaker also highlights the need for qualitative growth, where success is measured by social impact rather than traditional metrics like GDP, and advocates for the integration of ethics and human sciences in addressing global crises.

Takeaways

• 😀 Capitalism is like water, not iron: its flexibility and malleability define its true nature, allowing it to adapt to different situations.
• 😀 Ethical capitalism emphasizes that not everything should be put on the market; moral decision-making should guide what should and shouldn’t be for sale.
• 😀 Moral facts are essential to decision-making, where true answers to meaningful moral questions shape what we ought to do.
• 😀 In a life-or-death situation, such as saving a child over keeping a beer cold, moral imperatives should guide actions.
• 😀 The pandemic response needs to balance multiple imperatives: health (the virological imperative), education, and economic concerns.
• 😀 Surplus value production, a key economic concept, is intertwined with ethical thinking, demonstrating that business is fundamentally connected to morality.
• 😀 Business thrives on shared interests, and in this sense, morality becomes the best business case because it unites people toward a common good.
• 😀 The concept of mutual empathy, or 'mutual mind reading,' is essential for successful business practices, as seen in cultures like Japan.
• 😀 True profit, as defined by Colin Mayer, is derived from mutual aid and long-term value, rather than short-term financial gains.
• 😀 Evolutionary economics views a company as a living organism capable of growth and adaptation, aligning economic activity with ecological thinking.
• 😀 Ethical capitalism envisions a future where business contributes to moral and societal improvement, not just economic growth, aiming for qualitative growth in society.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind capitalism as described in the transcript?

The core idea behind capitalism, as described, is its malleability and freedom. Capitalism is compared to water, which can take any shape, suggesting that it is adaptable. The speaker argues that there is nothing wrong with capitalism itself, but it should be ethical and avoid a market society where everything is for sale.

What is the distinction between markets and a market society?

Markets are not inherently wrong, according to the transcript. However, a market society, as discussed by Car Pani, is problematic because it suggests that everything should be placed on the market. The speaker advocates for ethical capitalism, where only certain things should be bought or sold.

What does 'moral facts' mean in the context of the transcript?

'Moral facts' refer to true answers to meaningful questions about what we ought to do in specific situations. For example, in the scenario of saving a child versus enjoying a cold beer, the moral fact is clear: saving the child is the right action.

How does the concept of 'the virological imperative' apply to the pandemic?

The virological imperative refers to the urgent need to take action during a pandemic, such as deciding on border closures or school closures to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the transcript notes that this is not the only consideration; there is also an 'education imperative' to balance health concerns with educational needs.

What role does 'shared interest' play in business according to the speaker?

Shared interest is fundamental to business because it forms the basis of mutual cooperation. When two parties have a shared interest, like producing water, it leads to collaboration and value creation. This shared interest connects to the concept of ethical capitalism, where business is seen as a way to pursue mutual benefits.

How does empathy relate to business, particularly in Japan?

Empathy, or the ability to anticipate the desires of others, is crucial in business, especially in Japan. The transcript highlights that mutual mind-reading, a social skill developed in Japan, plays a significant role in business success. This skill allows individuals to understand and respond to the needs of others, facilitating collaborative growth.

What is the concept of 'true profit' in modern economic theory?

'True profit' refers to the value generated by businesses through mutual aid and ethical practices. Colin Mayer and John K's post-capitalist theory of the company suggests that businesses can thrive by engaging in cooperative activities that benefit both the company and society.

Why is the idea of a company as a living organism significant in the transcript?

The idea of a company as a living organism reflects a more dynamic and sustainable view of business. The transcript suggests that companies should be seen as evolving, adaptive entities rather than static structures. This ties into the broader concept of evolutionary economics, where businesses are expected to grow in qualitative, socially responsible ways.

What does the speaker mean by 'qualitative growth' in business?

Qualitative growth refers to growth that is focused on improving the social and ethical aspects of a business, rather than simply increasing profits. The speaker argues that businesses can grow by being better at being social, and this type of growth can be measured economically.

How does ethical capitalism address environmental concerns?

Ethical capitalism addresses environmental concerns by encouraging businesses to focus on sustainability and the long-term health of the planet. The transcript emphasizes that corporate behavior in the future should contribute to moral decision-making and ecological well-being, which includes maintaining and improving the environment.