The Necessity of Economics: The Preferential Option for the Poor, Markets and Environmental Law
Andrew P. Morriss
University of Alabama School of Law; PERC - Property and Environment Research Center; George Mason University - Mercatus Center
University of St. Thomas Law Journal, Forthcoming
U Illinois Law & Economics Research Paper No. LE07-031
Abstract:
Markets and economic theory are often cast as the enemies of both the poor and environmental quality. This paper, part of the Peace with Creation symposium held at the St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, argues that economics provides a necessary, but not sufficient, tool to address the problems of the poor and of improving environmental quality. The paper discusses ten propositions of economic theory and explains how each applying them results in both improvements in environmental quality and in the lot of the poor. The paper then briefly examines three examples of how applying the lessons of economics accomplishes both. It concludes by arguing that fulfilling Christianity's obligations towards both God's creation and the poor requires that we understand the economic implications of our actions.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 25
Accepted Paper Series
Suggested Citation
Morriss, Andrew P., The Necessity of Economics: The Preferential Option for the Poor, Markets and Environmental Law. University of St. Thomas Law Journal, Forthcoming; U Illinois Law & Economics Research Paper No. LE07-031. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1021462
