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I have often listen to the old man who criticized the lack of morality in the Chinese people nowadays: "To get more money, break through to the bottom line to get more money!"
Is there a contradiction between economic development and morality? Are there any countries that are highly ethical standards that develop very well?
Yes, there is some evidence that immoral behavior, as exemplified though political corruption, is bad for economic development. The body of literature is large and to the extent that I am familiar with it, some corruption can "grease the wheels" and hasten development. In general, massive amounts of corruption is seen as a serious hinderence to development.
Also, I think that the utilitarian ideal suggests that all else being equal, more wealth and consumption is better. This implies that economic development carries a moral weight. That is to say, an ethical society should develop economically, to raise the standard of living and reduce suffering.
