Ethique de l'économie sociale

Teacher(s)

Grandjean Nathalie;

Language

French

Content

The social economy project was built, in contrast to the capitalist economy, on values such as social responsibility, autonomy, equality and solidarity. These values are at the heart of the social economy, its practices and its operating principles. The aim of this course is to provide a normative perspective on the social economy and its principles.
To do this, we will take a reflective look at the different normative and applied ethics, with the main question being that of social justice, in order to reflect both on the injustices present in the capitalist economy and on the capacity of the social economy to move closer to the ideal of justice through its operating principles. This course thus offers a re-examination of the ethical foundations of the social economy and its claim to establish a more just economy. More generally, the aim is to develop students' ability to make rigorous and reasoned normative judgements about the society in which they live, as well as about possible paths of transition to other forms of economic and social organisation.

Teaching methods

The course consists of two parts. The first part is an introduction to ethics, including economic and social ethics. It provides an overview of contemporary theories of social justice, including deontologism, utilitarianism, liberal egalitarianism, libertarianism, Marxism, environmentalism and feminism ethics. The second part invites students to apply these analytical frameworks by presenting an ethical case and/or ethical dilemma in social economics, such as the principle of democracy at work (one worker, one vote), the rule of non-distribution of profits (non-profit), the principle of fair pricing and, more generally, the principle of fair trade, volunteering and collaborative consumption (particularly through the case of AMAPs).
ALL INFORMATION RELATING TO THE PRACTICAL ORGANISATION OF THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE ON MOODLE.

Evaluation methods

Assessment will be based on 1) an oral presentation of a ‘case’ or ethical dilemma in social economics, which will lead to a short assignment (4 to 5 pages) to be submitted during the exam period (50% of the final marks); 2) an oral examination (50% of the final marks).
For the second session: if the student has passed part 1 (written assignment + oral), the marks will be retained and they will only have to retake the oral examination. If the student has not passed, they will then have to present an assignment (following the same instructions) during the oral exam and submit a written copy (4 to 5 pages).
In the context of the assessment of this teaching unit, the use of artificial intelligence is prohibited, whether as a language assistant, a tool for exploration and ideation, or a writing tool.

Online resources

Course slides available on Moodle

Bibliography

• Arnsperger, C., Van Parijs, Ph. (2000). Ethique économique et sociale. La Découverte, Paris.
• Defourny, J., Nyssens, M. (2017). Economie sociale et solidaire. De Boeck, Paris.
• Draperi, J.F. (2014). Comprendre l’économie sociale. Fondements et enjeux. Dunod, Paris.
• Kymlika, W. (1990). Contemporary Political Philosophy. An Introduction. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
• Miller, D. (1976). Social Justice. Oxford University Press.
• Sandel, M. (2007). Justice. Flammarion, Paris.
• Sandel, M. (2014). Ce que l’argent ne saurait acheter. Le Seuil, Paris.
• Sen, A. (2008). L’idée de justice. Flammarion, Paris.
• Van Parijs, P. (1991). Qu’est ce qu’une société juste ? Introduction à la pratique de la philosophie politique. Le Seuil, Paris.

Teaching materials

• Slides du cours (fournis par l'enseignant) disponibles à l'avance sur Moodle

Faculty or entity

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