POS 437 - Inequality and Religion

Credits: 3

What is the most just, efficient and beneficial form of economics? Does the political-economic system of Adam Smith or that of Karl Marx match those kinds of values and systems traditionally advocated by religion? Does Christianity fit better with Capitalist, Socialist or Communist ideologies? In this course we will critically examine some of the founding figures in Capitalism (Adam Smith) or their modern defenders (Milton Friedman), versus some Communist thinkers (Karl Marx, V.I. Lenin). We will also examine some very significant thinkers in religion and political economy. We will be concerned most with democratic principles of justice, fairness, liberty, equality, and prosperity. This course is cross listed with REL 437.