Teaching the golden rule

Abstract

The Golden Rule is endorsed in one form or another by most cultures and major religions and is still espoused by philosophers, business ethi-cists, and popular business authors. Because it also resonates with undergraduate business majors, it can be an effective teaching tool. This paper describes a way of teaching the Golden Rule through a series of business-oriented examples intended to bring out its strengths and weaknesses. The method described also introduces students to some basic moral reasoning skills and acquaints them with a wide range of moral issues that arise in business. Kant's Formula of Humanity is discussed in the final section as a principle that overcomes at least some of the Golden Rule's defects.