One might think that economists are best suited to explain the meaning of money. However, most academic economists hardly ever publish on the meaning of money. Their definitions of money as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value do not get us far in understanding either the major dilemmas or great opportunities that money creates. Avoiding the meaning of money is arguably what allows economics the conceit of being a ‘value-free science’.

 

Yet, money is not simply a neutral, if scarce, resource, but also a powerful instrument. It is also malleable enough to become an end in itself, and even - as Jesus warns us - one’s master. Even Marx perceived it as ‘very intricate, full of metaphysical quibbles and theological quirks’. And it can be a great blessing: the reverse side of Christian charity is often the reception of money as a gift. The use of money has profound consequences, not merely for the ‘health’ of balance sheets and financial systems, but more importantly for the health of society and of one’s soul.

​

Speakers and participants from business, the academy, and the Church will consider the value of approaching the meaning of money from the perspective of virtue ethics:

 

• What is money (for)?

• Does money have a moral character?

• Is money necessary for human flourishing?

• Which virtues are needed to use money in a way that promotes human flourishing?

• Could we speak sensibly of a theology of money?

• What should the relation of the Church be to money?