Centre for the Study of Religion, Conflict and Cooperation Events Research and knowledge exchange

The role of gift in economic activity: an economist’s reflections on Pope Benedict XVI’s letter Caritas in Veritate and on the Economy of Communion group of businesses  

 

by Dr Gherardo Girardi, LMBS, London Metropolitan University

 

On Thursday, 21st of March 2013, at 17.00 in MG2-20 

Tea and coffee will be available from 16.30 in MG2-19

 

 

Pope Benedict XVI writes that gift is a normal part of everyday activities, including business activities, and sees the promotion of a culture of giving as central to a well functioning economy, including its corporate sector. Economy of Communion is a group of about 700 firms selling ordinary goods and services which tries to promote such a culture by giving to all, including to rivals. The experience of Economy of Communion shows that it is possible to be a firm with social objectives and to operate successfully in conventional markets in 'competition' with conventional firms whose main objective is to maximize profits. The talk will include the experience of Economy of Communion entrepreneurs and their accounts of the extraordinary events which accompany heartfelt giving. The talk will also discuss the views of other thinkers who have written on the subject of gift, such as Mauss, Marion, Derrida and Bruni, as well the work of economists specializing in this area.The role of gift in economic activity: an economist’s reflections on Pope Benedict XVI’s letter Caritas in Veritate and on the Economy of Communion group of businesses   

Pope Benedict XVI writes that gift is a normal part of everyday activities, including business activities, and sees the promotion of a culture of giving as central to a well functioning economy, including its corporate sector. Economy of Communion is a group of about 700 firms selling ordinary goods and services which tries to promote such a culture by giving to all, including to rivals. The experience of Economy of Communion shows that it is possible to be a firm with social objectives and to operate successfully in conventional markets in 'competition' with conventional firms whose main objective is to maximize profits. The talk will include the experience of Economy of Communion entrepreneurs and their accounts of the extraordinary events which accompany heartfelt giving. The talk will also discuss the views of other thinkers who have written on the subject of gift, such as Mauss, Marion, Derrida and Bruni, as well the work of economists specializing in this area.