The Market Economy and Christian Ethics

Focuses on cultural and ethical implications of market economics in the modern world.

Peter H. Sedgwick (Author)

9780521044844, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 December 2007

340 pages
21.5 x 14 x 2 cm, 0.444 kg

"...the author approaches each set of surveyed ideas judiciously and rejects the easy procedure of trumping philosophy and social science with theological claims. Hist study might therefore be useful to graduate students in search of a thesis or scholars in search of a topically integrated literature review." Religious Studies Review

Peter Sedgwick explores the relation of a theology of justice to that of human identity in the context of the market economy, and engages with critics of capitalism and the market. He examines three aspects of the market economy: first, how does it shape personal identity, through consumption and the experience of paid employment in relation to the work ethic? Second, what impact does the global economy have on local cultures? Finally, as manufacturing changes out of all recognition through the impact of technology and global competition, what is the effect in terms of poverty? Drawing on the response of the Catholic Church, both in the United States and in papal encyclicals, to the market economy from 1985–1991, Sedgwick argues that its involvement deserves to be better known. Moreover, he recommends that the Churches remain part of the debate in reforming and humanizing the market economy.

General editor's preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Modernity, the market and human identity
2. Consumerism and personal identity
3. The work ethic
4. Globalization
5. The response of the churches
6. Concluding reflections
Notes
Select bibliography
Index of names and subjects
Index of biblical references.

Subject Areas: Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]