Friedman states that businesses must not break laws in their pursuit of self- interest. But, curiously, he also states here that businesses must conform to “ethical custom” and avoid “deception or fraud”. These appear to be MORAL constraints on what a business should or should not do. We might ask Friedman, “What ARE these ‘ethical customs’ you speak of?”
For, it almost sounds as if Friedman IS suggesting that businesses DO have an obligation follow to the basic principles of morality. But, in that case, perhaps businesses DO have obligations to others—since one of the basic principles of morality seems to be that it is not just OURSELVES that matter morally. OTHERS matter morally as well, and we have a basic moral obligation to consider
For, it almost sounds as if Friedman IS suggesting that businesses DO have an obligation follow to the basic principles of morality. But, in that case, perhaps businesses DO have obligations to others—since one of the basic principles of morality seems to be that it is not just OURSELVES that matter morally. OTHERS matter morally as well, and we have a basic moral obligation to consider