The Program in Ethics, Culture, and Economic
Development looks at the linkages among institutions, norms, and
values not only regarding the problems of sustaining a just and
viable economic order in developed countries, but also with regard
to the promotion of human well-being, the enhanced capacity for
human choice, and the elevation of living standards in
emerging-market countries. The Program examines not just debates
about institutional reforms and the most appropriate policy
framework, but also the connections between freedom and the
realization of human potential.
The Economic Challenge Project
The Economic Challenge consultation (December 5-6, 2011) brought together distinguished academics, public
intellectuals, and business practitioners for an in-depth analysis
of the American economy, its present problems, and future direction.
Too often, discussions of the economy are narrowly focused on
specific features of economic life or conducted at a very general, abstract level of political and economic theory. Missing is
a perspective that can help us to think more productively about the
overall economy in concrete and practical ways.
The consultation consisted of round-table discussions of papers
prepared in advance by some of the experts attending the meeting. A memorandum titled
"
The Economic Challenge," prepared by
Rutgers economist Michael Bordo and Princeton economic historian
Harold James, provided a
frame of reference for the paper topics
and discussions.
In light of the consultations' papers and discussions, the Institute
is seeking to develop space for critical and constructive economic
analysis of the common good. For more information, visit
www.EconomicChallenge.net.