Theology III: Issues of Social and Moral Theology
Corso del Prof. Sac. Renzo Beghini
COURSE CONTENT
Moral theology (Christian ethics) is that branch of theological inquiry that studies in a systematic way the practical implications of God's Revelation in Jesus Christ. It is concerned with the kind of people we ought to be and the kinds of actions we ought to perform or avoid. In pursuing its task, moral theology must draw upon every available source of understanding: scripture, tradition, human sciences (such as psychology, sociology, economics), and human reason. The Social Moral Theology aims studying in a systematic and scientific way the ethical aspects (social and individual) of economic and social life, in the light of reason and the Catholic faith. The course provides an overview of how the Catholic tradition has reflected on what it means «good life» in connection with the «common life», customized for those are choosing a career as a business professional.
COURSE CONTENT
The main objective is to afford students the opportunity to combine social analysis with theological reflection. The course material will span a variety of ethical issues, including the the nature of human work, the relationship between workers and management, and the norms of justice that ought to govern these relations; as well as the meaning of Business ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Distributive and Commutative Justice. These topics will be held in conversation on the one hand with the contemporary economic philosophies and the other with the Catholic social tradition. Finally we will examine ideas about character and virtue to assess the challenges and opportunities for moral formation in a business context.
READING LIST
Recommended Texts:
Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), Ignatius Press, 2009.
M. Porter-M. Kramer, Creating Shared Value, in «Harvard Business Review», Jan-Feb 2011, 1-17.
E.C. Curran, Directions in Catholic Social Ethics, Notre Dame IN, Notre Dame Press, 1985.
L. Bruni, The Genesis and Ethos of the Market, London, Palgrave Macmillan, 2012.
TEACHING METHOD
Class meetings will consist of lectures, personal study, teamwork, and class discussion. Throughout the semester the class will divide for small-group discussions of the primary readings guided by topic questions and will combine analysis of theological texts and discussion of business cases. Course requirements include a midterm and final examination and a group project.