This is an introduction to moral and economic arguments for capitalism. It offers the reader a systematic treatment of the philosophical concepts that underpin the idea of capitalism and the business, legal and political institutions that impact commercial enterprises.

In "Capitalism and Commerce", Edward Younkins provides a clear and accessible introduction to the best moral and economic arguments for capitalism. Drawn from over a decade of business school teaching, Younkins's work offers the student of political economy and the educated layperson a clear, systematic treatment of the philosophical concepts that underpin the idea of capitalism and the business, legal and political institutions that impact commercial enterprises. Divided into seven parts, the work discusses capitalism and morality; individuals, community rights and the role of the state; private and corporate ownership; entrepreneurship and technological progress; law, justice and corporate governance; and the obstacles to a free market and limited government.

Introduction: Capitalism and Morality
Individuals, Communities, and the State
Individual Rights
Individuals and Communities
Civil Society
The Common Good
The State
Personal Flourishing and Happiness
Ownership
Private Property
Contract
Work
The Labor Union
The Corporation
Business
Progress
Entrepreneurship
Technology
Governance
Justice
Law
Corporate Governance
Obstacles to a Free Society
Collectivist Thinkers
Cultural Relativism
Communitarianism
Environmentalism
Public Education
Taxation
Protectionism
Antitrust Laws
Government Regulation
Inflation and Money
In Retrospect and Prospect
Conceptual Foundations Revisited
The Future
Appendix: A Reader's Guide to Free-Market Organizations and Periodicals.