The BB&T Center for the Study of the Moral Foundations of Capitalism advances current dialogue in business ethics, the role of the public sector in a capitalist economy, and the vibrancy of free market capitalism.
The Center is located in the Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business at Mount St. Mary’s University and promotes student, faculty, community, and corporate discussions about the political, social, and economic strengths and challenges inherent in capitalism.
As a distinct contribution to the academy broadly, and flowing from the Mount’s Catholic mission, the BB&T Center’s main focus is to explore how assumptions about the human condition—particularly the capacity for free, rational, creative action—shape theoretical and moral reflection in economics, business, and in social theory about economic phenomena. Behind the problem of economic freedom, is the deeper problem of human freedom in the first place. The BB&T Center thus uses the context of economic freedom to highlight the richness of the human condition.
The BB&T Center: What does it take to be free?
We are part of civil society too. As a religiously founded university, we are in a unique position to support them in our analysis, teaching, and people. Join the discussion at one of our upcoming events:
Join us on February 18, 2018 as we welcome Philosopher James Otteson, Ph.D. to give a lecture titled 'The Person behind The Wealth of Nations: How Adam Smith’s View of the Human Condition Shaped his Political, Economic, and Moral Theory"
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The BB&T Center for the Study of the Moral Foundations of Capitalism offers many opportunities for critical discussions, faculty and student development, and seminars on the moral underpinnings of capitalist society, market processes, and the importance of corporate social responsibility. Here are some of the types of events we sponsor:
The campus lecture series engages questions linking economics and the human condition. To demonstrate how such themes apply to and transcend typical political ideologies, we offer lectures on both ends of the ideological spectrum.
Presented in a lecture or panel discussion format, the Symposium on Corporate Responsibility serves as a bridge between a strong business and economics programs, and the University's traditional emphasis on the liberal arts.
To expand the dialogue on business ethics to other colleges and universities, the BB&T Center for the Study of the Moral Foundations of Capitalism sponsors an annual Ethics Case Competition with the student leadership group Enactus.
How much do economic factors matter for social outcomes? How does our answer depend upon what we think people are and can do in the first place? This essay competition includes deep thought and great rewards.
Students read and discuss Ayn Rand’s book Atlas Shrugged and other writings on free enterprise, capitalism, and business ethics. Connect with us for more details.