But no moral philosopher, from Aristotle to Aquinas, to…
““But no moral philosopher, from Aristotle to Aquinas, to John Locke and Adam Smith, divorced economics from a set of moral ends or held the production of wealth to be an end in itself; rather it was seen as a means to the realization of virtue, a means of leading a civilized life.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Economics should serve moral ends and virtue, not be an end itself; wealth is a means to a civilized life.
In simple terms: Economics serves virtue, not vice.
Key Takeaway
Align economic goals with moral values.
Themes
economics
morality
virtue
wealth
civilization
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- business strategy
Key Concepts
ethical economics
philosophy of economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure economics remains a means to virtue?
- What policies embed moral ends in markets?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can dominate moral considerations.