ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the main foundational theories of property. It shows that there are several major families of justification for property. The chapter considers some of the issues that reside in intellectual property, turning subsequently to explore one way in which a theory of business ethics may either be in tension or fit with such a justification of property. Property rights define the economy. We trade real property and we exchange manufactured objects, services, intellectual goods, and other things. Any theory of business ethics must, therefore, contend with the idea of property. If business itself is organized around property, a theory of how business ought to be done will presuppose a certain view of property rights. Systems of private property standardly afford owners all the elements of ownership. Property rights are central to questions about business ethics.
