An economist and a theologian in conversation about money, happiness and justice: at first glance, perhaps a remarkable combination. In the NPO Radio 1 programme Geld of je Leven of 18 June, professors Paul van Geest and Lans Bovenberg of Erasmus University Rotterdam explain why economics and theology complement each other surprisingly well.
From hard cash to quality of life: Generation Z redefines success
According to Van Geest, Professor of Theology and Economic Thought at Erasmus School of Philosophy, this cross-pollination is more relevant than ever. ‘For today’s students, there is more than hard cash,’ he states. The youngest generation, also known as Generation Z, no longer lives exclusively for status and possessions. ‘They do want to earn money and have a good career, but they see that primarily as a means to a good and happy life, not as a goal in itself. ‘I have more than you’ is no longer their life motto.’
Professor Lans Bovenberg, who is affiliated with the Erasmus Economics and Theology Institute (EETI), also endorses this changed perspective. The time of the so-called homo economicus, man as a purely rational, profit-driven actor, is over. ‘Economists are increasingly beginning to realise that the human being is more complex. Certainly outside the market environment, factors such as justice, care and community play a major role.’ And that is precisely where the bridge to theology lies, according to Bovenberg: ‘Theologians have been thinking about these kinds of values and considerations for centuries. It was high time to shed light on this in economics as well.’
The Intertwining of economics and human values
Van Geest illustrates this idea with a recognisable example: relationships. ‘Entering into a relationship often has major economic consequences, but is rarely a rational choice. People choose it out of love, not because it makes them financially better off. This is a powerful example of how economics and human values are interwoven.’
Erasmus University Rotterdam is organising a conference on Friday 20 June in which theologians and economists will discuss these themes. Their message is clear: anyone who wants to understand the economy of the future can no longer ignore the human soul.
- More information
Listen to the interview with Van Geest and Bovenberg in the NPO Radio 1 programme Geld of je Leven here (in Dutch).
For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics: rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, mobile +316 53 641 846.
