Free Markets and Civil Society

Adam Smith and other philosophers of the Scottish Enlightenment provided a social and moral justification for commerce. The American Founders were deeply influenced by the thought of these Scottish thinkers. The mixture of free markets with the civic vibrancy of early America created a new form of social life. The Founders wanted to “promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty” through civic activity, religious life, and commerce.

This section of the ISI Online Education in Liberty provides opportunities to learn about the importance of free markets and the critical role that civil society and morality play in a humane economy.

Does Free Enterprise Help the Poor? edited by Lynn Robinson — This monograph, published in 2002, concluded ISI's national student essay contest sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation. The winning essays were published in this volume.

Capitalism, Civil Society, Religion, and the Poor: A Bibiliographical Essay by Max L. Stackhouse and Lawrence M. Stratton

Free Markets, Morality, and Civil Society by Samuel Gregg — Fall 2003/Spring 2004 IR

Culture of Enterprise — Learn about this exciting educational & publishing initiative.