The Jesuit tradition in education, particularly within the domain of business, is distinguished by its commitment to forming individuals who are not only professionally competent but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. Central to this mission is the Inspirational Paradigm, a framework integrating intellectual rigor, moral reflection, and a sense of purpose beyond material success. This paper explores the research question: How is consideration of the afterlife -- adopting a transcendent temporal orientation – important for the Inspirational Paradigm of Jesuit business education? In an era dominated by short-termism and utilitarian metrics of success, this inquiry seeks to illuminate how a perspective that transcends earthly existence can enrich the moral and existential dimensions of business education within the Jesuit tradition.
The methodology involves normative analysis rooted in philosophical ethics literature, drawing from both classical and contemporary sources. Thinkers such as Aristotle, Saint Augustine, Saint Aquinas, and modern ethicists provide a foundation for understanding how a transcendent temporal orientation -- considering human life in relation to eternity -- shapes moral reasoning and decision-making. This normative perspective is complemented by examining Jesuit pedagogical principles, including the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius, which emphasize discernment and the ultimate purpose of human existence. By synthesizing philosophical and theological insights, the paper constructs an argument for why a focus on the afterlife is not merely a spiritual abstraction but a practical lens through which to cultivate ethical business leaders. The analysis proceeds deductively, beginning with broad ethical concepts and applying them to the specific context of Jesuit business education, with particular attention to how such an orientation aligns with the Inspirational Paradigm’s emphasis on holistic human development.
Business education often operates in a secular, profit-driven context that can privilege material success. Introducing the afterlife as a point of reflection challenges this by asking students to evaluate success beyond wealth or status. Ethical discussions can explore how greed, corruption, or exploitation conflict with a vision of life oriented toward a higher purpose or judgment. This can play out in Jesuit business curricula through case studies that integrate spiritual reflection, such as analyzing a corporate scandal (e.g., Enron) alongside questions like: “What would accountability look like if the actors considered an eternal perspective?” It might also appear in service-learning components, where students engage with underserved communities and reflect on how their actions ripple into both temporal and eternal realms.
The significance of this paper lies in its resonance with the conference theme. The UAPs call for a renewed commitment to spiritual depth, care for the marginalized, and ecological sustainability -- priorities that implicitly demand a perspective beyond immediate temporal concerns. By linking a transcendent temporal orientation to the Inspirational Paradigm, this paper offers a fresh assessment of how Jesuit business education can respond to these apostolic preferences. It argues that fostering an awareness of the afterlife encourages students to prioritize justice, solidarity, and long-term stewardship over profit-driven myopia, aligning with the UAPs’ vision for a hopeful future. Furthermore, it provides a glimpse into how this approach might shape the next generation of business leaders, equipping them to address global challenges with a sense of eternal purpose. This contribution not only enriches theoretical discourse on Jesuit education but also offers practical implications for curriculum design and pedagogical innovation, ensuring that the mission of forming “men and women for others” remains vibrant and relevant in a rapidly changing world.
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