Dawn Carpenter on Economic Personalism

"No matter what your ideology, there is common disdain for market manipulators, fraud, and theft. There is little disagreement about the repugnance of taking advantage of senior citizens through deceptive investment schemes or conning vulnerable families into unsustainable mortgages. There is even growing consensus on the shamefulness of polluting factories and the exploitation of child labor in the far reaches of corporate supply chains.

"However, what is still unclear is what is to be done about these social sins. Here is where Christian business leaders have a distinct opportunity. Using a uniquely theological view of the human person, Christian leaders can see the moral ramifications of economic activity - and act and react with meaningful conviction. This approach, known philosophically as 'economic personalism,' provides a framework for balancing objective moral values and subjective economic valuation - so as not to reduce the human person to just another factor of production."

In a recent commentary, writer and banker Dawn Carpenter reflected on "Economic Personalism" as a person-centered filter for evaluating economic choices.

To access her compete post, please visit:

Catholic Stand: Economic Personalism: Tool for Morality in Markets (13 APR 16)