Module Title
Module Context
This module is part of Origins of Trade in Ancient Civilizations and Ethics of Sacred Commodities, grounding modern agarwood (oud) trade in enduring ethical frameworks developed across ancient civilizations. It bridges philosophy, commerce, and stewardship.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
- Understand major classical ethical philosophies related to trade and exchange
- Compare how different civilizations viewed profit, fairness, and moral duty
- Apply classical ethical principles to modern agarwood and luxury commodity trade
- Critically evaluate contemporary ethical dilemmas through ancient lenses
1. Why Study Classical Ethics in Trade?
- Ancient trade systems handled scarcity, sacred goods, long-distance trust, and high risk—conditions similar to modern oud markets
- Ethics were not abstract theory but practical rules for survival, legitimacy, and social harmony
- Many current sustainability and fairness principles echo classical thought
2. Major Classical Ethical Frameworks
2.1 Aristotelian Ethics (Ancient Greece)
Core Idea: Virtue and the Golden Mean
- Trade is ethical when it supports human flourishing (eudaimonia)
- Distinction between:
- Oikonomia – household management, meeting real needs
- Chrematistike – profit-seeking for its own sake (viewed with suspicion)
Implications for Trade:
- Profit is acceptable, but excessive accumulation is morally corrupting
- Ethical merchants cultivate virtues: honesty, moderation, justice
Application to Agarwood:
- Limited harvesting aligned with ecological balance
- Rejecting speculative hoarding of rare oud purely for price inflation
2.2 Confucian Ethics (China & East Asia)
Core Idea: Harmony, Righteousness (Yi), and Proper Conduct (Li)
- Commerce is morally acceptable if aligned with social harmony
- Moral character of the trader matters more than the transaction
Key Principles:
- Yi (Righteousness) over Li (profit)
- Respect for hierarchy, relationships, and ritual propriety
Application to Agarwood:
- Long-term relationships over opportunistic deals
- Respectful negotiation, gifting customs, and reputation-based trust
2.3 Hindu Ethics (Dharma & Artha)
Core Idea: Righteous Wealth Creation
- Dharma (moral duty) governs Artha (material prosperity)
- Wealth is legitimate when earned without harm and used responsibly
Trade Ethics:
- Avoid exploitation, deception, and ecological harm
- Sacred goods require ritual purity and intention
Application to Agarwood:
- Ethical sourcing as a dharmic duty
- Viewing agarwood not only as commodity but as spiritually potent substance
2.4 Buddhist Ethics (Right Livelihood)
Core Idea: Non-harm and mindful exchange
- Trade must minimize suffering and attachment
- Emphasis on intention behind commerce
Right Livelihood Prohibits:
- Harmful, deceptive, or addictive trades
Application to Agarwood:
- Rejecting destructive extraction
- Mindful pricing that avoids fueling greed or obsession
2.5 Taoist Philosophy (Daoism)
Core Idea: Alignment with the Dao (Natural Order)
- Ethical action flows from wu wei (non-forcing)
- Excessive control and exploitation disrupt natural balance
Trade Implications:
- Small-scale, adaptive, seasonally attuned trade
- Valuing simplicity over excess
Application to Agarwood:
- Harvesting only when conditions are naturally aligned
- Allowing trees and ecosystems to mature without pressure
2.6 Islamic Ethics (Justice, Trust, and Barakah)
Core Idea: Trade as Moral Act
- Commerce is honored but bound by justice (Adl) and trust (Amanah)
- Prohibitions against:
- Fraud (gharar)
- Hoarding
- Exploitation
Spiritual Dimension:
- Ethical trade brings barakah (divine blessing)
Application to Agarwood:
- Transparent grading and truthful representation
- Fair sharing of value with growers and communities
3. Comparative Ethical Themes Across Traditions
| Ethical Theme | Shared Insight |
|---|---|
| Profit | Acceptable but morally bounded |
| Scarcity | Calls for restraint, not exploitation |
| Trust | Central to long-distance trade |
| Intention | Determines moral quality of exchange |
| Nature | To be respected, not dominated |
4. Applying Classical Ethics to Modern Trade Dilemmas
Example Ethical Questions:
- Is speculative investment in rare oud ethical?
- Should all knowledge be monetized?
- When does luxury become moral excess?
Classical Response:
- Evaluate intention, impact, and proportionality—not just legality
5. Reflection Exercise
Participants choose one philosophical framework and apply it to:
- A real agarwood sourcing scenario
- A branding or pricing decision
- A community partnership model
6. Key Takeaway
Across civilizations, ethical trade was never value-neutral. Commerce involving sacred or rare materials demanded moral character, restraint, and responsibility—principles still essential for the future of agarwood.
Alignment with CI-ASASE Values
- Ethical literacy
- Cross-cultural wisdom
- Responsible luxury
- Stewardship-based commerce