The Tradition of Political Philosophy: From Raymond Aron and Democratic Institutionalism to Republican Liberalism

Abstract

The chapter presents the liberal and republican tradition in France in relation to business ethics and philosophy of management. In fact, since the discussion of Marxism in the 1940s and 1950s there had already been a strong liberal tradition in French philosophy and political theory. This was a liberal and rationalistic political philosophy that defended the republican institutions and liberal market economics in Western societies against the Marxist belief in revolution. In particular we focus on Raymond Aron, but also Cornelius Castoriadis and Claude Lefort and Marcel Gauchet, and indeed also the followers Aron Luc Ferry and Alain Renaut who were very critical of the 68 Marxist tradition. Indeed, the liberal tradition can be said to have importance for reflection on business ethics and the ethics of organizations because it defends liberal economy and argues for the importance of the private market economy for society. The liberal tradition also analyzes the importance of liberal virtues of integrity and trust in business behavior; therefore, this tradition contributes to the foundations of business ethics by showing how the organization is placed within the framework of a liberal democracy and market economy.