Re: [asa] The ASA and the Soft Sciences (ASA focus for the future- Christian economics)

On Jan 3, 2009, at 10:51 AM, Dehler, Bernie wrote:
>
>
> My claim is that economics is amoral. That is why “Focus on the
> Family,” for example, doesn’t harp on the issue, as they do for stem
> cell research and abortion.
>
>

But they do. When they argue about global warming it's because of
their belief that the market shouldn't be regulated. See also this
piece by Chuck Colson arguing the markets should not be regulated
whilst railing against "relativism".

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/december/23.72.html

> This is dramatic evidence that worldviews do matter. The dominant
> attitude of recent decades says there are no moral truths—that we
> should simply live for the moment and get whatever we can out of
> life. This worldview has led to the chaos we are experiencing. By
> contrast, the Christian worldview teaches us to live within our
> means, defer gratification, and treat others honorably—all
> requirements for sustaining personal prosperity and the free-market
> system.
>
> But free markets can remain free only if individuals behave
> responsibly and police themselves. We are not doing that today; we
> have ignored moral restraints, even labeling them intolerant.

The Rich in the discussion is me. Precisely because economics -- at
least laissez faire capitalism -- is amoral the question of
government regulation vs. self regulation becomes a moral question.

Rich Blinne
Member ASA

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Received on Sat Jan 3 13:06:49 2009