• 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