The search for a moral foundation for capitalism has a long history that continues to unfold, yet many are unaware of this search or its implications for the future of capitalism. The recent pandemic has uncovered cracks in the foundation of capitalism and raised doubts regarding its ability to meet the broader needs of society. In Search of a Moral Foundation for Capitalism explains the continuing demand for a moral foundation from the perspective of business leaders, business educators, and policymakers, and tells the story of the search for that moral foundation through its leading characters. By presenting the life stories and writings of these leading characters – from Adam Smith to Amartya Sen – this book reveals the rich moral critique provided by these great thinkers and explains how that rich critique was lost through the influence of the Chicago School and its emphasis on self-interest.

‘If you want a perspective on an enlightened version, possibly the originally envisioned version, of capitalism not fully reduced to its characteristic, though commonly overemphasized and misrepresented, rationale of self-interest, then read this book. By unpacking and reexamining the moral foundations of capitalism, this book will make you reflect on how capitalist societies can serve mutual benefit and achieve social welfare when liberated from its misconceived, fundamentalist clichés of naked self-interest and free markets.’

Wim A. Van der Stede - Dean and Professor at London School of Economics

‘In this excellent description of the development of intellectual ideas on the nature and determinants of our capitalist system, Douglas Stevens provides a wide-ranging, insightful, and accessible account of how we have arrived at the current dilemmas that confront us. His book provides a valuable basis for understanding how the history of economic thought can help guide the formulation of future policy.’

Colin Mayer - Emeritus Professor of Management Studies at the Said Business School, and Visiting Professor at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford