On the Relation between Economics and Religion
Author: A. M. C. Waterman
Abstract
This taxonomy of the relations between ‘Economics’ and ‘Religion’ is based on a stipulative definition of ‘Religion’ as religio: a public, cultic activity believed to bind members of society to one another and to God. ‘Economics’ in this taxonomy will be any of Economics(i): ‘political Economy’ before Adam Smith; Economics(ii): ‘political economy’ after Smith; or Economics(iii): ‘economic analysis.’ Economics(i) and (ii) are intentionally normative. Economics(iii) is intentionally positive.