How Markets Elevate Our Morals

It’s now commonplace to hear it said that markets “corrupt our morals.” This sentiment derives from the false premise that the selfish pursuit of our interests, values, possessions, and happiness is low, crude, vulgar, and immoral. The supposed “higher” and “nobler” things lie beyond our selves and beyond this earth. In fact, markets – whether the construed as the exchange of material or intangible values – count on and reward civilized attitudes and behaviors. Markets are humanizing; they embody rationality and objective values; they enshrine justice; they entail reciprocity; they invite us to present the best within us; they teach us lessons; they also ostracize and penalize those who try to practice the main vices (lying, cheating, mooching, and looting).

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Morals and Markets is a 90-minute webinar held on the fourth Thursday of each month (8:00 PM-9:30 PM ET), by Dr. Richard Salsman who is a Senior Scholar at The Atlas Society as well as a Professor of Economics at Duke University. He began hosting Morals & Markets for alumni of his classes at Duke who wanted to continue to have engaging conversations on contemporary topics that explore the intersection between ethics, politics, economics, and markets. Sessions begin with remarks by Dr. Salsman, followed by Q&A, discussion, and debate. Morals & Markets presents a unique opportunity to engage with a pro-liberty, pro-capitalism professor of Economics who has years of first-hand experience on Wall Street and in the classroom. Dr. Salsman carefully prepares each session on a highly relevant, contemporary topic, discussing how it intersects with philosophy, economics, morals & markets.

REGISTER for our next session via the recurring zoom link and don't forget to add the event to your calendar.