Freedom devoid of responsibility would result in the collapse of the social network. It would cause strife among individuals, between individuals and society, and essentially would lead to the sacrifice of the future in order to fulfill short-term desires. Coming under much scrutiny for allegedly doing just this is today's dominant institution, a legal establishment with pervasive influence on contemporary life: the modern corporate enterprise. We live in a world plagued with human exploitation and severe environmental degradation. Many would claim that behind this unfair and unsustainable global situation lies the profit-hungry hand of corporate power. Accused and often found criminally guilty in court of having enormous and often hidden harms, one might ask exactly what a corporations ethical responsibilities are towards the world in which it functions. Attitudes toward the subject of responsibility are globally and historically diverse, however. Due to cultural differences certain traditions are heavily concerned with responsibility and societal harmony while others are far more preoccupied with free choice and individual rights.
Looking to Confucianism, the philosophy of Confucius (or King fu-tzu), one can see a philosophy that places a great deal of emphasis on human responsibility. Confucius is, in fact, the most influential thinker in human history if influence were to be measured by the number of people who have lived in accordance with a philosopher's vision. (Ames, 28) Turning to the scriptures outlining the teachings of this Chinese sage who lived over 2,500 years ago, it would be unproblematic to prove that the modern corporation has been and continues to be unethical by Confucian standards. That is not the purpose of this essay, however. This ...