T.W. Lewis workshop will hone in on social responsibility of businesses

Workshop will help students further develop leadership skills

 In a 1970 controversial op-ed, American economist Milton Friedman famously argued that The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits. Recently, this view has been attacked on all sides by politicians and business leaders. Prominent opponents of Friedman's view argue that business leaders should weigh profits against the interests of various stakeholders. Who is correct? Is earning profits the primary purpose of a business? Or can business leaders help society more by pursuing other apparent benefits? These essential questions will guide the workshop led by Dr. Andrew Humphries, from the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University (SCETL), on Friday, February 4, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m, at the T.W. Center for Professional Development, Sage South 141.

"In this workshop, we will explore the issues that arise in the debate between social expectations versus profit-seeking," said the workshop leader, Andrew Humphries, from ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership (SCETL). "Attendees will participate in a shared inquiry process, examine the various sides of the argument together and deepen their understanding of the problems and possibilities involved. I look forward to this important and participative conversation."

The program is an opportunity to examine whether businesses have a social responsibility through an interdisciplinary approach.

"The purpose of this workshop is to expand our analysis of this pressing issue. Students will develop a broad, deep awareness of the implications of corporate decisions and societal expectations toward business leaders," said Dr. Andrew Humphries.

This workshop is a collaboration with the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty (CSEL) as part of its programing to support ASU’s new Certificate in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. The program will be limited to the first 15 students who register. Those who enroll will also receive a complimentary copy of Milton and Rose Friedman’s book, Free to Choose.  

Register here.

Students interested in this workshop may also be interested in CSEL’s upcoming Reading Group on Thomas Sowell's Conflict of Visions and Jim Otteson's Honorable Business. Apply to participate in the reading group here.