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Is It Ethical for For-profit Firms to Practice a Religion? A Rawlsian Thought Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • M. Paula Fitzgerald

    (West Virginia University)

  • Jeff Langenderfer

    (Meredith College)

  • Megan Lynn Fitzgerald

    (Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University)

Abstract

Recent judicial rulings and changes in federal and state legislation have given for-profit corporations a growing list of rights and constitutional protections, including the right to practice religion free from many types of federal or state restriction. In this paper, we highlight the implications of these developments using Rawls’ (A theory of justice, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1971) Theory of Justice to explore the consequences of for-profit corporate religious freedom for consumers and employees. We identify preliminary principles to spark a discussion as to how expanding religious freedom for businesses and fair access to goods and services can coexist in the for-profit marketplace.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Paula Fitzgerald & Jeff Langenderfer & Megan Lynn Fitzgerald, 2020. "Is It Ethical for For-profit Firms to Practice a Religion? A Rawlsian Thought Experiment," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 166(1), pages 159-174, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:166:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04136-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04136-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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