Greed vs. Self Interest: Does the Difference Matter?
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Economics
The New American Economy: Free Markets or Economic Nationalism?
Theology of Work
The Gender Wage Gap
Lessons from Europe’s Booze-Producing Capitalist Monks
The Triumph of Population Growth
Black Liberation Through the Marketplace: Hope, Heartbreak, and the Promise of America
Economics of Immigration
Understanding the Economy of Pope Francis
Cultural Critiques of Capitalism
Political Economy of Government Debt: A Public Choice Perspective
Debt, Crowding Out and Economic Growth
How Does the Economy Help the Good Life
Do Extraordinary Times Require Extraordinary Economics?
Judaism and the Market Economy
From Prosperity, Liberty: The Political Economy of Distributism
The Next American Economy: Free Markets or Economic Nationalism?
Doing Good through Business in 2023
My Journey of Faith and Entrepreneurship
Building a Culture that Attracts Talent
The Economic Way of Thinking
Human Flourishing is why God created us. When we live into his designs and desires for us and his created order: we both experience and contribute to the common good and human well-being. Things work as they are supposed to. The fall makes this more difficult–but our task to build a flourishing world remains. When …
The Role of Economics in the Social Order
Intersectionality and the Socialist Temptation with Dr. Elizabeth Corey
What is an Entrepreneur?
What is an entrepreneur? How does the journey to creating your own business begin? Are there certain qualities that help entrepreneurs bring their dreams into reality? And how does this all connect to human flourishing? In this episode of The Good Society series, successful entrepreneurs, economists, and business professors share both their insights and their …
The Person at the Center of the Economy
All economic systems are based on a particular vision of the human person. But what if we get the vision wrong? How does that affect the way we see trade, economics and business? *** Volume 1 of The Good Society is a 6-part series that that focuses on the intersection between the human person and …
Toward a Free and Virtuous Society (Engage the Speaker AU2021)
Engage the Speaker Session for “Toward a Free and Virtuous Society” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. How do we make a moral account of how society should work? And how concretely can we construct this society? In this documentary-style lecture, Fr. Robert Sirico describes his own intellectual journey towards the belief that a free and …
Judaism and the Market Economy (Engage the Speaker AU2021)
Engage the Speaker Session for “Judaism and the Market Economy” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. Judaism too is often enlisted in attempts to depict free market economics as exploitative, unjust, or a wrong requiring correction. Many frequently speak of Judaism as either opposed to market forces, or as seeking a balance between “capitalism” and “socialism.” …
Is Democratic Socialism a Good Alternative to Capitalism? (Engage the Speaker AU2021)
Engage the Speaker Session for “Is Democratic Socialism a Good Alternative to Capitalism?” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. Public figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have fervently promoted the idea of Democratic Socialism for the last several years. But what exactly is Democratic Socialism? How does it compare with Capitalism? In this talk, …
C.S. Lewis, Law, and Liberty (Engage the Speaker AU2021)
Engage the Speaker Session for “C.S. Lewis, Law, and Liberty” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. As Christians, we all agree corruption is bad. As citizens, we also agree corrupt behaviors must be punished by law. However, there are differences in how corrupt behaviors are perceived in different societies around the world, as well as in …
The Fire of Invention: Intellectual Property and the Power of Human Beings (Engage the Speaker AU2021)
Engage the Speaker Session for “The Fire of Invention: Intellectual Property and the Power of Human Beings” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. In the realm of invention and technology, what makes the difference between good and evil, prosperity and destruction, is not the material world itself but the way in which humans exercise our rational, …
The Economics of Digital Currencies (Engage the Speaker AU2021)
Engage the Speaker Session for “The Economics of Digital Currencies” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. Ever since the first Bitcoin was first mined in January of 2009, we’ve seen an ever-growing interest in the phenomenon of blockchain—the technology upon which Bitcoin is based. Blockchain is one specific form of an innovation known as Distributed Ledger …
The Case Against Economic Nationalism (Engage the Speaker AU2021)
Engage the Speaker Session for “The Case Against Economic Nationalism” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. Economic nationalism is surging throughout the world and is attracting supporting from right and left. This lecture outlines the basic flaws of protectionism and industrial policy, and focuses on how they undermines the economic and political dimensions of the common …
Corruption and Economic Development (Engage the Speaker AU2021)
Acton University 2021 Closing Talk with Rev. Robert A. Sirico
Join us for Acton University 2021 closing talk and interview with Acton Institute’s President and Co-Founder, Rev. Robert Sirico. Following Rev. Sirico’s reflections, Eric Kohn will moderate a Q&A session with Rev. Sirico and field questions from our live audience.
Business, Government, and Economic Progress
Public policy often shapes markets—for good or for ill. Today many are convinced that much of economic progress is attributable to the raw innovation of the private sector in a free market economy. Others claim an entrepreneurial state is essential to an innovative economy. What are we to make of state-private sector collaboration? Is it …
Foundations Panel
Join Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley, Dr. Samuel Gregg, and Michael Matheson Miller as they engage in a Question and Answer session about Acton University’s four Foundational Lectures: 1) A Christian Vision of Government, 2) An Introduction to Natural Law, 3) The Economic Way of Thinking, and 4) A Christian Vision of the Human Person.
Education and Entrepreneurial Disruption
An educated citizenry is fundamental to securing a free and flourishing society. Innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial endeavors are transforming education in many ways. This panel examines common myths about learning and the provision of education, highlights the great entrepreneurial efforts to improve its quality and accessibility, and explores what the future holds in providing an …
Entrepreneurship in India: Obstacles and Success Stories
This panel looks at the free market in India and the use of entrepreneurial innovation. While looking at individual entrepreneur success stories and obsatcles, this panel discusses the future of industry in India and the future of India’s economy.
Brasil Paralelo – Entrepreneurship for the Common Good
Entertainment is an important indicator of cultural values; by looking at what the culture loves, one can deduce what principles it values. However, according to Henrique Viana, Felipe Valerin, and Lucas Ferrugem, Founders of Brasil Paralelo, entertainment can also shape a society’s culture. At Brasil Paralelo, they are working change prevailing cultural winds and point …
Exclusive Interview: EasyTaxi CEO Tallis Gomes Joins Marcel van Hattem
The EasyTaxi app was founded by Tallis Gomes, has expanded to 35 countries in four continents, and now has merged with Cabify. He was featured in the Forbes “30 Under 30” list and has been elected as one of the most innovative youths in the world. Unfortunately, Brazil faces a challenge in reducing bureaucracy. In …
The Economics of Digital Currencies
Ever since the first Bitcoin was first mined in January of 2009, we’ve seen an ever-growing interest in the phenomenon of blockchain—the technology upon which Bitcoin is based. Blockchain is one specific form of an innovation known as Distributed Ledger Technology (or DLT). DLT triggered a new phase of financial innovation and is already to …
The Fire of Invention: Intellectual Property and the Power of Human Beings
In the realm of invention and technology, what makes the difference between good and evil, prosperity and destruction, is not the material world itself but the way in which humans exercise our rational, creative powers. The Creator empowers his image-bearers to partner with Him to bring order out of chaos and prosperity out of poverty …
The Case Against Economic Nationalism
C.S. Lewis, Law, and Liberty
As Christians, we all agree corruption is bad. As citizens, we also agree corrupt behaviors must be punished by law. However, there are differences in how corrupt behaviors are perceived in different societies around the world, as well as in how effectively perpetrators are actually punished in every country – if punished at all. How …
Voices Interview with George Ayittey
The Acton Institute’s PovertyCure series included supplementary “Voice Videos” with renowned scholars, business people, and non-profit leaders. One of these Voice Videos featured George Ayittey. Join Michael Matheson Miller as he conducts a follow-on interview with George Ayittey to gain greater insights from his expertise.
Reflections on Poverty and Economics with Russ Roberts
Economists use a variety of tools to evaluate poverty and propose policy responses—typically with mixed results. In this interview, join award-winning EconTalk Podcast founder Russ Roberts as he reflects upon topics such as how the economics profession has addressed poverty, the importance of work as a means of fulfillment, and the virtue of charity as …
Why Socialism Isn’t the Answer
Anne Rathbone Bradley and Iain Murray join moderator Scot Bertram to discuss the reasons why socialism is not an effective method for reducing poverty and helping the poor regain their dignity. Highlighting the inconsistencies in thought that prevent it from ever working in practice, the panel also will address why socialism seems to be an …
Addressing Poverty: Foundational Principles
How should we think about poverty and prosperity? What are the foundational principles that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish and create prosperity in their own communities? Ismael Hernandez and Peter Greer discuss the challenge of poverty in the US and internationally and the most effective ways to think about poverty in light of …
Poverty Voices: Interview with Michael Fairbanks
Business Matters 2021 – Timeless Principles for Challenging Times
These key leaders will discuss universal and timeless leadership principles for challenging times. When you view people as the ultimate resource, new opportunities will open up for you and your business. These leaders will address principles such as bottom-up solution, empowering overlooked people, and working together.
Business Matters 2021 – What is the Purpose of Business?
Milton Friedman famously argued that the sole social responsibility of business was to create value for shareholders. This view was the predominant view for decades. In 2019, the Business Roundtable made headlines, by adopting a stakeholder capitalism model, which calls on businesses to look beyond profit maximization, and to consider other business constituents, such as …
Business Matters 2021 – Innovation Amidst Uncertainty
What is the purpose of entrepreneurship in the midst of these turbulent times? Using timely examples from her career, Yvonne English will offer key lessons on how to effectively innovate.
Business Matters 2021 – Conscious Leadership
Can success be paired with intentional and ethical leadership? John Mackey, founder and CEO of Whole Foods, shares how to develop yourself as a become a better leader. He and Acton President Fr. Robert Sirico will discuss the principles of conscious leadership, how to create a thriving culture within your business, and advice for businesspeople …
Business Matters 2021 – Doing Business in a Pandemic
In 2019, Ezequiel Vazquez-Ger’s restaurant, Seven Reasons, was named the best restaurant in the Americas by Esquire. Hear the story of how he entered the restaurant business. He grew his business and even opened a second restaurant during the pandemic. Leaders in every industry can learn from his story of creativity, passion, and adaptation.
Economic Way of Thinking – Engage the Speaker
Human Flourishing is why God created us. When we live into his designs and desires for us and his created order: we both experience and contribute to the common good and human well-being. Things work as they are supposed to. The fall makes this more difficult–but our task to build a flourishing world remains. When …
The Triumph of Population Growth
Environmental alarmists often repeat the Malthusian warning that human population growth is harmful to the planet and is unsustainable. In contrast, economists are often a bit more optimistic about human population growth. This course examines the relationship between population growth and prosperity, as well as how Austrian and other pro-population economists engaged Malthusian arguments.
Corruption and Economic Development
Understanding Globalization: Myths, Realities, and Challenges
This lecture provides an overview of the idea of globalization, one which challenges some of the myths surrounding this ideas, especially the myth that globalization is new. It also outlines the three primary forms assumed by contemporary globalization today, and discusses what people of faith can say about the character of globalization.
Understanding Globalization: Myths, Realties, and Challenges – Engage the Speaker
This lecture provides an overview of the idea of globalization, one which challenges some of the myths surrounding this ideas, especially the myth that globalization is new. It also outlines the three primary forms assumed by contemporary globalization today, and discusses what people of faith can say about the character of globalization.
Toward a Free and Virtuous Society – Engage the Speaker
The Pursuit of Happiness: How Does the Economy Help the Good Life – Engage the Speaker
In this lecture, Dr. Jay Richards connects Aristotle’s account of happiness with modern sociological and psychological surveys of happiness, and explains how they overlap and differ. He then explores how our work, especially in a high tech information economy, can contribute to both our happiness, and the happiness of others.
The Triumph of Population Growth – Engage the Speaker
Environmental alarmists often repeat the Malthusian warning that human population growth is harmful to the planet and is unsustainable. In contrast, economists are often a bit more optimistic about human population growth. This course examines the relationship between population growth and prosperity, as well as how Austrian and other pro-population economists engaged Malthusian arguments.
The Pursuit of Happiness: How Does the Economy Help the Good Life
In this lecture, Dr. Jay Richards connects Aristotle’s account of happiness with modern sociological and psychological surveys of happiness, and explains how they overlap and differ. He then explores how our work, especially in a high tech information economy, can contribute to both our happiness, and the happiness of others.
The Economic Ways of Loving – Engage the Speaker
To be economically literate requires neither formal training nor advanced study. For those with the inclination, the most valuable economic principles can be understood with just a little nurturing of the so-called “economic way of thinking.” In this lecture, Sarah Estelle, Ph.D. shares how she sees the economic way of thinking as instructive in some …
Reconciling Libertarianism and Concern for the “Common Good”
The idea of “the common good” is increasingly being invoked by conservatives such as Fox News’ Tucker Carlson to call for a bigger and more interventionist government. The assumption is that classical liberal values have failed to create the conditions that allow people to flourish. In theory and in practice, these claims could not be …
Reconciling Libertarianism and Concern for the “Common Good” – Engage the Speaker
The idea of “the common good” is increasingly being invoked by conservatives such as Fox News’ Tucker Carlson to call for a bigger and more interventionist government. The assumption is that classical liberal values have failed to create the conditions that allow people to flourish. In theory and in practice, these claims could not be …
Judaism and the Market Economy – Engage the Speaker
Judaism too is often enlisted in attempts to depict free market economics as exploitative, unjust, or a wrong requiring correction. Many frequently speak of Judaism as either opposed to market forces, or as seeking a balance between “capitalism” and “socialism.” This class will closely examine an array of mainstream Jewish sources pertaining to economic life, …
Open Q&A with Rev. Robert Sirico
Judaism and the Market Economy
Judaism too is often enlisted in attempts to depict free market economics as exploitative, unjust, or a wrong requiring correction. Many frequently speak of Judaism as either opposed to market forces, or as seeking a balance between “capitalism” and “socialism.” This class will closely examine an array of mainstream Jewish sources pertaining to economic life, …
Is Democratic Socialism a Good Alternative to Capitalism?
Public figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have fervently promoted the idea of Democratic Socialism for the last several years. But what exactly is Democratic Socialism? How does it compare with Capitalism? In this talk, much discussion will revolve around the differences between centralized and decentralized resource allocation. Additionally, the oft-mentioned example of …
Is Democratic Socialism a Good Alternative to Capitalism? – Engage the Speaker
Public figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have fervently promoted the idea of Democratic Socialism for the last several years. But what exactly is Democratic Socialism? How does it compare with Capitalism? In this talk, much discussion will revolve around the differences between centralized and decentralized resource allocation. Additionally, the oft-mentioned example of …
Interview: Marcel van Hattem Interviews Minister of Economy Paulo Guedes
Free the Food! Is Our Food Supply Chain Too Fragile?
Free Market Economics & Christian Thought
Economic Perspectives on a Paralyzed Labor
Corruption and Economic Development – Engage the Speaker
Cronyism and Corporate Welfare
Income Inequality remains a pressing social and political issue in domestic and international politics. Market-based economies ensure that everyone regardless of status, political affiliation, race or gender have an opportunity-based society where they can only grow rich when they serve others. Corporate Welfare distorts the incentives of markets by inducing a culture of favoritism, public-private …
Poverty in America
Robert Doar explores the history and future trajectory of welfare policy in America. Weaving together personal anecdotes and statistical insights, he explains the significant progress that has been made to alleviate poverty in past decades. At the same time, he maps out many of the obstacles still standing in the way of further advances. Developed …
Uber and the Social Good
Who benefits from ride-sharing services like Uber? Certainly the drivers and riders benefit. But are there benefits that accrue to society more generally when such smart-phone driven services enter a city for the first time? And how much government oversight is necessary to protect riders? The talk will comment on how these findings apply in …
The Economic Ways of Loving
To be economically literate requires neither formal training nor advanced study. For those with the inclination, the most valuable economic principles can be understood with just a little nurturing of the so-called “economic way of thinking.” In this lecture, Sarah Estelle, Ph.D. shares how she sees the economic way of thinking as instructive in some …
Moral Legacy of John Maynard Keynes
The Keynesian Revolution forever changed the way we think about, teach, and learn economics. But the Keynesian approach to the world changed the broader culture as well, leaving us bereft of a clear vision of human flourishing in our economic life.
How Ice Got to India
The year is 1837. Imagine that you live in Calcutta and a man with a thick Boston accent offers you some ice cream. There is no such device as a refrigerator, much less a freezer, and yet here is a man offering you a cold (and delicious) treat. How did it get there? In this …
Finding Your Purpose: Why Christians Must Support Economic Freedom.
We are made in the image and likeness of God which means that God put us here for a purpose: to participate in the redemption of his creation. Each one of us is different and we are to work as sub-creators to bring about ever greater levels of human flourishing. Economic Freedom is a necessary …
The Church and the Moral Mandate of Economics
This lecture will discuss the unique role the church plays in a market-based economic system, and will examine the moral imperatives given in scripture and Christian social thought that are foundational to building an economy that allows flourishing and ensures justice for all. Pastor Brooks explains the vital relationship between economics and moral philosophy for …
Excuse Me, Professor
There’s little truly “progressive” about Progressivism. True progress happens when humans are free, yet the Progressive agenda substantially diminishes freedom while promising the unachievable. Based on his recent book, Reed tackles a number of the most common economic, philosophic and historical errors of “progressive” ideology.
Capitalism is About Love
Is the market economy rooted in greed and self-interest? Jeffrey Tucker argues that these are not the core. Many degrees of love, as traditionally understood, is at the core of what it means to exchange, invent, speculate, and produce. An economy based on love of others cannot neglect the institutions of ownership, exchange, volition, and …
Is Big Business A Danger to Economic Liberty?
On April 14, 2015, The Acton Institute and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy jointly hosted Timothy Carney for a lecture on the topic “Is Big Business a Danger to Economic Liberty?” Timothy P. Carney is the senior political columnist at the Washington Examiner, a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and the author …