Rediscovering the Moral Foundations of Economics

As growing economic uncertainty and moral confusion about markets and wealth continue to mount, Ave Maria University is offering a new "Pursuit of Wisdom" course designed to help Catholics think clearly and faithfully about economic life. "Economics and Catholic Social Teaching," taught by Dr. Gabriel X. Martinez, invites participants to explore economic principles through the lens of the Church's social doctrine, placing the dignity of the human person and the pursuit of the common good at the center of economic decision-making.

"Economic questions are never purely technical, they are deeply moral," said Dr. Martinez, associate professor of business and economics at Ave Maria University. "The Church gives us a rich tradition to evaluate systems like capitalism and socialism, not only by their efficiency, but by how well they uphold human dignity and promote authentic human flourishing."

The course walks participants through key economic concepts, including supply and demand, market equilibrium and economic growth, while grounding each topic in the wisdom of the Church. Drawing from landmark encyclicals, such as Rerum Novarum, Quadragesimo Anno, Centesimus Annus, and Laudato Si', the course highlights core Catholic principles, such as subsidiarity, solidarity, and the universal destination of goods. In addition to explaining how markets function, the course challenges Catholics to consider how they live out their faith in everyday economic choices, from how they spend, save, and invest, to how they engage broader questions of public policy and social justice.

All Ave Maria University's free "Pursuit of Wisdom" courses, including "Economics and Catholic Social Teaching," can be accessed via The Pursuit of Wisdom and the free "Pursuit of Wisdom" app, available to download on major app store platforms.