The excesses of individualism -- Libertarians misunderstand liberty -- Abuses of financial capitalism -- Competition and consumption -- The libertarian disrespect for labor -- Labor unions, full employment and industrial democracy -- Sustainability and environment -- The Catholic concept of property -- Freedom of contract -- Justice, charity and distribution -- Free trade and fair trade -- The role of politics -- Stability and change -- Ways forward.
Summary:
Inequality, unemployment, degradation of our environment: these and other practical economic problems reflect faulty economic theories. We have been led astray by ideas that made some sense in the past but are unsuited to our times and by ideas that are fundamentally mistaken. The Catholic Church has an extensive body of teachings on economic and social matters, too little known even among Catholics, which offers practical alternatives to the economics of the jungle. This book provides clear explanations of major errors in conventional economic thinking and shows how the church's teachings can point us in a better direction.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.