Mary Hirschfeld on Economics, Culture, and Aquinas and the Market

Mary Hirschfeld, an economist and theologian from Villanova University, delves into the relationship between economics and virtue in this engaging conversation. She critiques the materialist perspective of happiness, arguing that true fulfillment hinges on deeper connections and moral values. The discussion also touches on the ethics of incentivizing kidney donations, the complexities of economic growth versus virtue, and the often-overlooked influences of social status on behavior. Hirschfeld calls for a more humane economy where community well-being and personal growth take center stage.