Programs > Seminar Series in Classical Liberalism

Classical Liberalism and Business Seminar

This seminar is tailored for undergraduate and early-stage graduate students interested in the intersection of classical liberalism and business. We will explore the voluntary nature of classical liberal principles and their application to the business world, using examples from businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and renowned economists such as Adam Smith, F.A. Hayek, and Milton Friedman.
Unlike typical business courses, this seminar focuses on how accounting, marketing, management, and finance operate within a classical liberal framework.

Scholars from the University of Illinois Springfield and Chicago, Wabash College, AIER, and other institutions will lead the discussions.

Co-sponsored by the Academy On Capitalism, The Stephenson Institute at Wabash College, and AIER.

 

The Seminar in Classical Liberalism

Join us for an engaging seminar exploring the origins and applications of classical liberalism, both in theory and practice. We will examine key ideas from thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, Adam Smith, F.A. Hayek, Milton Friedman, and others, alongside contemporary classical liberals such as Deirdre McCloskey, Robert Higgs, and James Otteson. Through these discussions, we will uncover how classical liberal principles influence individual freedoms and societal organization, with a focus on public policy and governance.

Co-sponsored by The Stephenson Institute for Classical Liberalism at Wabash College and AIER.

 

 

Classical Liberalism and The Market

This seminar is designed for undergraduate and early graduate students with an interest in the intersection of classical liberalism and market principles. Participants will delve into the voluntary foundations of classical liberal ideas and see how these concepts apply to the world of markets, illustrated with insights from entrepreneurs, market leaders, and influential economists like Adam Smith, F.A. Hayek, and Milton Friedman.

Unlike traditional market-oriented approaches, this seminar explores how accounting, marketing, management, and finance function within a classical liberal framework. Here, we focus on how these business disciplines contribute to individual freedom, voluntary exchange, and minimal government intervention. The market serves as a decentralized platform for free interaction between individuals and businesses, encouraging innovation, competition, and efficient resource allocation without heavy regulatory oversight.

Scholars from the University of Illinois Springfield and Chicago, Wabash College, AIER, and other institutions will lead the discussions.

Co-sponsored by the Academy On Capitalism, The Stephenson Institute for Classical Liberalism at Wabash College, and AIER.

 

Classical Liberalism and a Free Society

Join us for a thought-provoking seminar delving into the foundations and enduring influence of classical liberalism. Together, we will explore the key ideas, debates, and thinkers that have shaped classical liberal thought—from Hobbes and Locke to the American Founders and beyond.

This seminar will examine classical liberalism both as a philosophical tradition and as a framework for institutional design and public policy. Through readings, lectures, and discussions, participants will engage deeply with the evolution of individual rights, limited government, and the rule of law.

Our aim is to foster a vibrant intellectual environment where promising undergraduate and early graduate students can deepen their understanding of governance institutions, develop original research ideas, and build lasting connections with peers and leading scholars in the field.

Scholars from the University of Virginia, AIER, and other institutions will lead the discussions.

Co-sponsored by The Blue Ridge Center at University of Virginia and AIER.