Philosophy of Finance
P R O J E C T
The Philosophy of Finance Project engages students, scholars and practitioners with the goal of addressing fundamental questions raised by the practice of finance. Through conferences, seminars, fellowships and publications, the Philosophy of Finance Project will create the space necessary for this interdisciplinary reflection.
Financial markets have a profound impact on modern life, yet the frenetic pace at which financial transactions occur, and the speed with which innovation transforms financial practice, offer little opportunity for the practitioner to reflect upon the ways in which the practice of finance is shaping modern life.
At the same time, the fluidity of financial practice presents challenges for scholars, questioning received models of financial markets and their import.
From Practice To Theory
Aristotle taught us to begin with particulars when approaching theory. By investigating problems arising in the practice of finance, we seek neglected questions, overlooked areas that promise superior returns in the form of new theoretical insights.
The Quest For Wisdom
Drawing on Collegium’s strengths, the Program on the Philosophy of Finance engages in interdisciplinary inquiry, drawing insights from a variety of disciplines (philosophy, theology, economics, finance, etc) and spanning the history of thought in search of wisdom today.
From Theory To Practice
Because finance professionals face incentive structures that constrain action, scholars need the input of practitioners in order to discover how theories may be made practical. By bringing practitioners and scholars together, we can ensure that reflection provides guidance for the world in which we live.
Programming & Events
Fall 2023 Fellowship: Finance for the Common Good
Collegium Institute invites you to apply for the Fall 2023 Philosophy of Finance Fellowship. This semester we will explore the various ways in which financial professionals can understand their individual and ethical responsibilities. Specifically, this seminar will help participants develop an honorable ethos to bring into their practice of finance.
Click the button below to learn more and to apply.
Student Fellowship Program
The Philosophy of Finance Fellowship, formerly called the Philosophy of Finance Working Group, draws together undergraduate and graduate students in order to explore the work of both scholars and practitioners in order to address the fundamental questions raised by the practice of finance. Click the button below to learn more about our most recent spring fellowship.
2019 Philosophy of Finance Conference
Capitalism is threatened by stagnant wages, the fear of recession, and a growing sense that the economy is “rigged” in favor of the rich. Where lies its future? Can capitalism be ordered to the common good? Is the field of finance part of the problem or the solution?
The Collegium Institute brought together leading scholars and practitioners in the fields of finance, ethics, and theology for our conference on “The Common Good and the Future of Capitalism.”
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more, or signing up for announcements about Philosophy of Finance programming, please contact our student coordinator, Titus Bretzke: bretzke@wharton.upenn.edu
Collaborate with Us
If you are a practitioner or a scholar of finance and/or philosophy and are interested in collaborating with us on seminars, conferences, working groups and publications, please contact the Director of the Philosophy of Finance Project, Dr. Matt O’Brien: matthew.obrien@obriengreene.com