Corporations Navigating Polarized Public Debates
Journal
Handbook of the Philosophical Foundations of Business Ethics
Type
Book chapter
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Abstract
This chapter lays a philosophical foundation for exploring how corporations navigate polarized public debates. Far from being a purely theoretical endeavor, it provides concrete insights into both business and business ethics. To this end, it first develops a so-called “philosophy of practice” by drawing on the political-philosophical writings of Richard Rorty, Mark Lilla, and Raymond Geuss. Second, it investigates polarized public debates and distinguishes fundamental debates from distractions to illustrate how politics and business align. Against this background, it considers the implications of this practice-oriented lens on polarized public debates for business and business ethics. It concludes with a hopeful yet realistic outlook on how corporations navigate polarized public debates.
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Subject(s)
Division(s)