- Wednesday, November 30, 2016
- 4:15 PM–5:30 PM
- North Hall 161
- FREE
A guest lecture by Steven McMullen will address issues of a theologically faithful approach to economic policies relating to treatment of animals.
How should we protect endangered species? How can we ensure humane treatment of farmed animals? These questions are at the center of public policy discussions about agriculture and the environment. Unfortunately, the world of economics and public policy has long been human-centric, with animals and the environment get attention only when humans are affected. A theologically faithful approach to economic policy should emphasize God's universal calling for all humans to serve creation. When applied to policy related to animals, the simple consideration of animal interests for their own sake radically changes some of the standard assumptions and conclusions of economists in agriculture and environmental protection. Fortunately, economics provides some powerful insights that can help us do a better job creating an economy that serves all creatures.
Steven McMullen, an assistant professor of economics at Hope College and fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, will address these issues in the course of his lecture "Shaping an Animal-Friendly Economy." Steven studies the economics of education and the intersection between ethics, theology, and economics. His recent book, Animals and the Economy (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016) explores the intersection between animal ethics and the economy.
The event is co-sponsored by the Economics and Philosophy Departments, Sustainability Major Project Initiative (SMPI), and Students for Compassionate Living (SCL).
Location details
North Hall 161
