In Was the Good Samaritan a Bad Economist? Charles K. Wilber argues that the American economy has not only failed to overcome poverty, it has generated extreme inequality that in turn restricts social mobility and further marginalizes the poor. Wilber argues that economic theory is permeated with ethical values and any economics must be so; that human behavior is more complex than the economists' simple self-interest model; that people are also driven by deeply embedded moral values; that markets require intervention to create equity; and that Catholic social thought provides the perspective and values to develop a more relevant social economics. The author takes that modified economics and uses it to analyze specific social problems: labor markets, poverty, inequality, financial crisis, and development. Wilber next focuses on the important role of families, labor unions, parishes, and small Christian communities, such as the Catholic Worker movement, as mediating institutions in the economy. He concludes with a final look at the questions, "Was the Good Samaritan a Bad Economist?".

Development ethics is a growing discipline that deals both academically and practically with the moral assessment of the ends, means, and processes of development. The essays in this collection honor and build on the pioneering work of Denis Goulet (1931-2006), arguably the founding father of development ethics. This book offers a coherent, systematic examination of new directions in the field and features contributions from some of the leading scholars in development ethics and economic development.

The introduction provides a brief history of Goulet's life and work, as well as the genesis of development economics and development ethics. The essays in "New Directions in Development Ethics"are organized in three parts: the nature of development ethics in light of philosophical and religious traditions; applications of development ethics to economic analysis and growth, technological change, violent conflict, and globalization; and the practice of development ethics.

"This book is a fitting tribute to the father of modern development ethics, Denis A. Goulet. Contrary to other festschrifts honoring scholars, each chapter carefully builds on a different aspect of Goulet's work including religion, participation, equality, technology, poverty, vulnerability, and development strategy. The result is a coherent and methodical volume written by leading scholars, admirers, and friends that brings us a step closer to the kind of 'hands on' philosophy envisaged by Goulet that simultaneously embraces the ethics and practice of development." --David A. Clark, University of Manchester

"This volume gathers an impressive range of original essays from economists, philosophers, and development experts in honor of Denis Goulet, a pioneering development ethicist. At a time when development is widely championed as a means for expanding commercial markets, averting terrorism and social unrest, or protecting the biosphere, these papers refreshingly restore focus on the moral imperative of development according to the Golden Rule. All persons have a right to just treatment, and a responsibility to ensure justice for others. Denis Goulet was an articulate champion of that foundational premise of development. This volume nicely honors his memory by projecting his voice in new scholarship." --Christopher B. Barrett, Cornell University

"Here we have a fitting and valuable tribute to Denis Goulet--an achievement that is comprehensive and foundational. It speaks to development researchers, policy specialists, and practitioners alike. The contributors help us integrate religious values into development economics and ethics, providing a giant step forward in the field of development ethics. I especially appreciate the compatibility of their contributions with the emphasis that the Catholic theological tradition puts on the poor in development." --Gasper F. LoBiondo, S.J., Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown University

""New Directions in Development Ethics"is a distinctive and important collection for those who care about the whole person in the process of development. The book provides a much-needed perspective on the interdisciplinary and eclectic pathways through which human progress actually occurs. Reflections, applications, and practices are three ways in which Dennis Goulet is remembered in this synthetic anthology." --Jonathan B. Wight, University of Richmond

This book constructs the model of economic development implicit in the historical experience of the Soviet Union, and the agricultural, industrial, and social strategies followed are shown to fit into a logical and coherent pattern. Those strategies are then evaluated for the positive and negative answers they hold for underdeveloped countries today. Originally published 1969. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.