Morality and Business Ethics

Where it surfaces

• III

  The argument between Silas and Persis Lapham over his treatment of Rogers highlights the ethical ambiguities of business practices, with Persis accusing Silas of greed and taking advantage of a partner.

• VI

  Lapham's wariness of partners and his pride in his circulars reflect his concern for integrity in business, while Corey's proposal to join the firm raises questions about the ethics of mixing capital and labor.

• Chapter VIII

  Tom asserts he would rather starve than touch dirty money, while Bromfield Corey questions the stigma attached to honest earnings from paint.

• Chapter X

  Lapham's decision to lend money to Rogers and his refusal to admit wrongdoing highlight the tension between business pragmatism and personal ethics.

• XVIII

  Sewell's 'economy of pain' principle applies moral reasoning to personal relationships, paralleling ethical decision-making in business.

• Chapter XXI

  Lapham's rejection of Rogers' dishonest scheme highlights the conflict between financial gain and ethical integrity.

• Chapter XXIII

  Lapham's refusal of Corey's investment and his handling of the Millon women reflect his moral struggles in business dealings.

• XXV

  Lapham resists the English investors' dishonest scheme but is tempted by the potential profit; later he regrets past scrupulosity and considers abandoning his principles.

• Chapter XXVII

  Lapham's pride in having come out with clean hands and his reflections on his dealings with Rogers underscore the moral dimensions of his business failure.