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Is Commerce Good for the Soul? An Empirical Assessment

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  • Walker A. Wright

Abstract

Numerous empirical studies suggest that market exchange helps (a) create the conditions for liberal values to flourish, (b) refine our sense of fairness, (c) promote cooperation with those who are different from ourselves, (d) develop networks of mutual trust and trustworthiness, (e) generate tolerance and respect towards others, and (f) undermine hostility and conflict in favour of peace. This article reviews this empirical evidence and argues that markets make us better people, morally speaking.

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  • Walker A. Wright, 2018. "Is Commerce Good for the Soul? An Empirical Assessment," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(3), pages 422-433, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecaffa:v:38:y:2018:i:3:p:422-433
    DOI: 10.1111/ecaf.12320
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