In The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase Its Profits, Milton Friedman claims:
But the doctrine of "social responsibility" taken seriously would extend the scope of the political mechanism to every human activity. It does not differ in philosophy from the most explicitly collective doctrine. It differs only by professing to believe that collectivist ends can be attained without collectivist means. That is why… "there is one and only one social responsibility of business--to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game, which is to say, engages in open and free competition without deception or fraud." (p. 6)
- What does Friedman mean by a “collectivist ends” and “collectivist means”? What is Friedman’s argument here? What is the conclusion of Friedman’argument? Its reasons/premises? Accurately and clearly explain Friedman’position.
- Do you agree with Friedman’position? Choose one of the following options:
(A) This is a good argument, and you, therefore, agree with Friedman’position, OR
(B) This is not a good argument, and you prefer some specific criticism or alternative view perhaps by one of the other philosophers we have discussed.