The College of Charleston School of Business will host a series of events during Adam Smith Week from March 22 – 26, 2010.  One of the key headliners of the week is John Stossel, host and commentator on the Fox Business Network, who will present Freedom and Its Enemies.

The second annual Adam Smith Week is sponsored by the Initiative for Public Choice and Market Process (IPCM) that was founded in 2008 with a generous gift from the BB&T Charitable Foundation and the Charles G. Koch Foundation.

“Adam Smith is one of the most recognizable figures in economics, and his contributions to the fields of philosophy and economics are still relevant today,” says Pete Calcagno, Ph.D, associate professor of economics and Director of the IPCM.  “His concept of the invisible hand is considered the classic statement on laissez faire capitalism.”

Through a variety of venues, Adam Smith Week is a way for the IPCMP to create awareness and explore important economic topics for students at the College of Charleston.  The weeklong event has a series of educational opportunities for students, faculty and the community to engage in discussion on Adam Smith and his economic philosophies.  See Adam Smith Week Schedule of Events.

Who is Adam Smith?
Adam Smith’s 1776 book, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, is one of the most important works in economics. One of best known ideas explained in the book is that of the “invisible hand” of the market, the idea that individuals’ self interest often promotes society’s interests. A commonly quoted passage that illustrates this is:
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity, but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities, but of their advantages.”

About the Initiative for Public Choice & Market Process
Founded in the fall of 2008, the Initiative for Public Choice & Market Process advances the understanding of the economic, political and moral foundations of a free market economy. The Initiative for Public Choice & Market Process supports the growth and development of teaching and research at the College of Charleston School of Business while engaging students and the Charleston business community. Visit sb.cofc.edu/pcmp  to learn more.

About the School of Business
College of Charleston’s School of Business offers five undergraduate programs, a master’s in accountancy and an honors program.  Approximately 1,680 undergraduate and graduate students attend from as far away as China, Germany and Brazil. The faculty has research expertise in areas such as financial investment, bankruptcy, global logistics, political economics, business intelligence, hospitality and tourism and sustainable business practices. Visit sb.cofc.edu to learn more.

List of Events

Monday, March 22nd
7:00 pm “Free Trade vs. Fair Trade”: Student Debate
In Conjunction with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE):
Moderated by Dr. Doug Walker, Associate Professor of Economics, College of Charleston
School of Education, Alumni Center

Tuesday, March 23rd
12:00 pm “How can a Market System be Moral when the Invisible Hand is not Moral?”
Lecture from Dr. Jennifer Baker, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, College of Charleston
School of Education, Alumni Center
7:00 pm “Back from the Brink? Or should we have Gone Over the Edge!”
Lecture from Mark French of Scott and Stringfellow & “News about your Money” on 1250 AM
In Conjunction with Student Finance and Investment Club (SFIC)
Reception immediately following
Wachovia Auditorium, Beatty 115
Winner of the BB&T Enterprise Award Announced
Wachovia Auditorium, Beatty 115

Wednesday, March 24th
7:00 pm “The Call of the Entrepreneur”
In this film presentation: Reverend Robert Sirico, joins Michael Novak, George Gilder and other
experts in exploring how entrepreneurs shape our world.
Discussion to Follow Dr. Kelly Shaver and Dr. Peter Calcagno
Snacks and Refreshments will be served
Beatty 214

Thursday, March 25th
7:00 pm “Freedom and its Enemies”
Lecture from John Stossel, host of “Stossel” on Fox Business News
Physicians Auditorium

Friday, March 26th
12:00 pm “Why Major in Economics and Finance?” Information Session, Tate 132
Snacks and Refreshments will be served