The University of San Diego announced Thursday the creation of the Center for Ethics, Economics and Public Policy.
The center, established with $1.8 million in gifts from several donors, will “advance rigorous, interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship on the impact of social norms, markets, and public policies on human freedom, well-being, and justice,” according to the university.
The center is a collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Business.
A series of public events featuring national experts will be held at the center; a debate over immigration policy is slated for March 16.
The center will also facilitate the development of a new undergraduate curriculum integrating the study of politics, philosophy and economics, the university said.
“We are honored that so many donors are joining us in the effort to promote a vibrant exchange of ideas,” said James T. Harris III, University of San Diego president. “Centers like this will help us fulfill our strategic vision of educating students who are dedicated changemakers, actively engaged in their education and caring for our common home.”
Financial backers of the center include James Brennan, CEO of Enlightened Brand Ventures; Malin Burnham, vice chairman of Cushman & Wakefield; the Charles Koch Foundation; Peter Farrell, founder of ResMed Inc.; Kevin Washington, founding partner of Aviation Partners; and Charles Wax, CEO of Waxie Sanitary Supply.
Philosophy professor Matt Zwolinski, who has been a member of USD’s faculty since 2003, will serve as the center’s director.
“This center is about fostering broad and open conversation about important issues of public policy,” Zwolinski said. “We want to expose students to a wide range of competing viewpoints, and help them to think critically about what really matters, and what really works, when it comes to making the world a better place.”
