The Necessity of Economics: The Preferential Option for the Poor, Markets and Environmental Law

25 Pages Posted: 15 Oct 2007

See all articles by Andrew P. Morriss

Andrew P. Morriss

Bush School of Government & Public Service / School of Law; PERC - Property and Environment Research Center

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.

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: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1021462

Andrew P. Morriss (Contact Author)

Bush School of Government & Public Service / School of Law ( email )

4220 TAMU / Room 2141
2129 Allen Building
College Station, TX 77843-4220
United States

PERC - Property and Environment Research Center

2048 Analysis Drive
Suite A
Bozeman, MT 59718
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
163
Abstract Views
1,896
Rank
329,348
PlumX Metrics