ABSTRACT
A Theory of Justice does not start with an explication of existing practice, but instead begins with an imaginary original position, an exploration of the hidden structure behind the epiphenomena of everyday moral judgments and intuitions. An outgrowth of analytic philosophy, applied philosophy carries within its very name the idea that an independently arrived at and premeditated ethical theory will be "applied" to judging practice. In opposition to A. N. Whitehead, R. M. Hutchins argued that the role of the university was to teach first principles, theory, and the unity of knowledge as opposed to facts and skills. Hutchins questioned whether business was even a profession, and he suggested that vocational practices should be taught on the job. This chapter considers first the hostility to business that extends from intellectuals to business ethicists. It points out that there is an alternative method that the business ethicist might employ and this we call explication.
