Master
2026/2027
Economics and Morality
Type:
Elective course (Politics. Economics. Philosophy)
Delivered by:
School of Sociology
Where:
Faculty of Social Sciences
When:
1 year, 4 module
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
32
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course is intended to introduce students to core moral issues in economic conduct and, more fundamentally, in the foundation of the economy itself. From the rise of the “economy” as a sphere distinct from others like “social” and “cultural”; to specific hazards of economic development borne collectively as with ecological and financial crises; to how we conceptualize value in exchange. These are only examples of issues thinkers and social scientists have been examining for centuries. The course will cover the foundations of the various intellectual currents that have examined such issues differently, with a special focus on the contemporary economy.
Learning Objectives
- This course is intended to introduce students to core moral issues in economic conduct and, more fundamentally, in the foundation of the economy itself. From the rise of the “economy” as a sphere distinct from others like “social” and “cultural”; to specific hazards of economic development borne collectively as with ecological and financial crises; to how we conceptualize value in exchange. These are only examples of issues thinkers and social scientists have been examining for centuries. The course will cover the foundations of the various intellectual currents that have examined such issues differently, with a special focus on the contemporary economy.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn different approaches that challenge existing and dominant paradigms that guide economic policy. Additionally, the students will learn to think critically about morality, especially where economic behavior and policy are concerned. Both academic (research-oriented) and policy (applied) outcomes are covered in this course.
Course Contents
- 1. Introduction: Can the economy ever be a-moral?
- 2. Social history and the concept of “moral economy”
- 3. Money and everyday life… And: Where did money actually come from?
- 4. Rent and usury: has financialization always been bad?
- 5. Ecology – tragedy of the commons
- 6. Inequalities: competition or unfairness?
- 7. Corruption and development
- 8. Theology and the economy
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 4th module0.6 * Final exam (“take home”) + 0.25 * Weekly reports and participation + 0.15 * In class presentations
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Garrett Hardin. (1968). The tragedy of the commons. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.38C4A353
- Thompson, E. P. (1971). The Moral Economy of the English Crowd in the Eighteenth Century. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.3D910AAF
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Brubaker, R. (DE-588)113664273, (DE-627)556780426, (DE-576)160448220, aut. (2004). Ethnicity without groups Rogers Brubaker.
- The social meaning of money, Zelizer, V. A., 1994