Luther, Calvin, and Economics — A Conversation with Professor Benjamin M. Friedman
Nov 13, 2024
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Benjamin M. Friedman, a Harvard economist and author, dives deep into the fascinating intersection of religion and economics. He reveals how Protestant movements influenced economic thought, shaping figures like Adam Smith. The discussion highlights Edinburgh's legacy in nurturing modern economic theories while exploring Calvinism's role in moral frameworks. Friedman also examines the shift towards secular academia and its impact on economic disciplines. Expect thought-provoking insights on how faith and ethics continue to steer economic discourse today.
Religious thinking, especially from Protestant ideologies, significantly influenced the development of modern economic theories and key economists' perspectives.
The evolution of universities from religious foundations to a secular academic environment transformed economics into a distinct field of study.
Deep dives
Intersection of Religion and Economics
The exploration of the intersection between religion and economics reveals how religious thinking influenced the development of modern economic theories. Professor Benjamin M. Friedman discusses his academic curiosity about the origins of economic ideas, starting from historical economic frameworks and then recognizing the significant impact of religious beliefs. Specifically, he highlights how the contentious Protestant ideologies during the Enlightenment played a crucial role in shaping the thoughts of key economists like Adam Smith and David Hume. This intersection of disciplines challenges the conventional separation between religious studies and economics, suggesting that understanding one cannot be complete without the other.
Rise of Modern Universities
The evolution of modern universities reflects a gradual separation from theological control toward a more secularized academic landscape. Initially, universities were predominantly founded on religious principles aimed at educating clergy, as seen in Harvard's Puritan origins. Over time, institutions like Harvard transformed, moving away from their religious foundations and embracing a broader array of disciplines, including economics. This shift not only changed the nature of academic inquiry but also allowed economics to emerge as a distinct field of study in its own right.
Impact of Scottish Enlightenment
The intellectual vigor of the Scottish Enlightenment significantly contributed to the advancement of economic thought, with Edinburgh playing a central role. The concentration of universities and a spirited intellectual culture fostered an environment where key figures like Adam Smith and David Hume could thrive. In contrast to the more rigid academic structure of England, Scottish universities encouraged lively debate and engagement, thus cultivating revolutionary ideas that shaped modern economics. Factors like better education and robust social interactions among the educated elites were critical in this developmental phase.
Secularization of Religious Ideas in Economics
Friedman's argument suggests that modern economic thought is a secularized extension of religious ideas, particularly those stemming from Calvinism. He posits that many principles foundational to economics today were influenced by religious thinkers' views on human nature, morality, and happiness. As economists began to move away from predestinarian Calvinism, they adopted a more optimistic view of human potential, enabling theories that advocate for self-interest leading to societal benefits. This transformation underscores how underlying philosophical and theological debates have lasting implications on economic theories and practices.
This is Thinking in Public, a program dedicated to intelligent conversation about frontline theological and cultural issues with the people who are shaping them.
In this edition of the popular podcast series “Thinking in Public,” Albert Mohler speaks with the William Joseph Maier Professor of Political Economy and former chairman of the Department of Economics at Harvard University, Benjamin M. Friedman. They discuss his latest book, “Religious Influences on Economic Thinking.” If you enjoyed this episode of Thinking in Public, you can find many more of these conversations here. You can purchase “Religious Influences on Economic Thinking” here.
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