The christian contribution to conscious capitalism

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this chapter is to offer a vision on the possible improvement of capitalism, exploring the possibilities of ethical change generated by Christian religious doctrine and experience. Although institutional improvements are essential to improve capitalism, a much more profound change in the level of ethical consciousness and decisions is also necessary. Going beyond the assumptions of conventional economic theory, there are new approaches that highlight motives other than monetary -especially ethical values ​​and relationships with others- to explain the motivational structure of economic actors. Numerous studies also point out the influence of the religious dimension on ethical behavior in general and on economic behavior in particular. The chapter presents the thesis that Christianity, due to its two characteristics of ethical universality and personal relationality, provides an additional enlargement and reinforcement to the ethical and relational capacities of economic agents. By means of a brief historical account, the main universal principles of the Christian ethical-economic tradition are also presented. In addition, the chapter offers a general overview of some theoretical and practical ethical achievements that Christians, beyond their numerous mistakes and falls, have developed in the economic field, which today are reissued under new experimental forms aiming at the ethical improvement of contemporary capitalism.