“Cathonomics” and the Future of Democracy

In his book that won the Nasr Book Prize this year, Anthony Annett presents a history of Catholic Social Teaching, arguing in favor of its relevance for creating a more just economy. Cathonomics contrasts two distinct paradigms for economics: “neoclassical” economics privileges concepts like autonomous individuals, self-interest, subjective well-being through material goods, competition, and extraction of value. Catholic Social Teaching privileges a notion of beings-in-relation, reciprocal interests, integral human development, the common good, and integral ecology. This forum invites the author to extend his insights from economics to democracy. In a nutshell, how would a society that is organized by the principles of “Cathonomics” function as a pluralist democracy? Would it still be considered secular and free? If Cathonomics produces better outcomes, for believers and others, what are the roadblocks preventing us from realizing a more just economy and polity?

Keynote will feature author Anthony Annett, along with respondents from Abrahamic, Asian, and Indigenous traditions.

Food and refreshments will be available following the formal portion of the event program.