Economics: the Business of Being Human

The class will consider and discuss the origins, intents, and strength of a biblical based, open system (free market) economy from its inception in the Garden of Eden until the Renaissance and Reformation periods and the development of one of the most powerful, creative, and progressive economic systems known to history. We will also explore its evolution into a closed system (communism; crony capitalism; technocratic mercantilism). We will explore the implications of both the open and closed systems for creativity, progress, and human flourishing. Lastly, students will be taught practical aspects of economic activity from work, saving and investment to the difference between purchasing an asset or a liability.

Course Objectives:

The telos of this course will be to explore the unique blend of economic systems that have shaped Civilization for the better or worse in relationship to both God’s Creation Mandate given in Genesis chapter 1 along with the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25 and their counter balancing principle found in the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10.

1. We will consider whether God expects individuals and families and churches to be responsible for the poor or whether the State should step in and attempt to “help.”
2. Equally, students will be encouraged to become proficient in the conversational approach to learning: close readings, interpretive questions, and Socratic discussions of the texts.
3. Students will develop lateral thinking skills by way of analyzing and synthesizing themes and motifs from various texts and strive to write persuasively about the perennial human questions of human stewardship and flourishing.

Texts:

• Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
• Applied Economics by Thomas Sowell
• Defending the Free Market by Robert Sirico