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What Mutual Assistance Is, and What It Could Be in the Contemporary World

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  • Federica Nalli

    (LUMSA University)

Abstract

This paper explores the implications of a Civil Economy approach to consumer ethics, by addressing the idea that Antonio Genovesi’s (1713–1769) notion of mutual assistance can be understood in terms of collective intentionality or team reasoning. I try to give reasons for this idea by a careful examination of Genovesi’s conception of social life and human agency and by reading it through the lens of team reasoning. I argue that this understanding of mutual assistance may imply broad constraints over agents’ choices whenever they conflict with the good of society. Then I explore the implications of a mutual assistance approach to market ethics in a global society, where conflicting views of good and different group affiliations are possible.

Suggested Citation

  • Federica Nalli, 2023. "What Mutual Assistance Is, and What It Could Be in the Contemporary World," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(4), pages 1041-1053, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:182:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-021-04936-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-021-04936-8
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