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Co-sponsored by Liberty Fund, Inc., this program is an intellectually demanding and stimulating weekend colloquium that explores the foundations of liberty in a mixture of graduate-level text-based, guided Socratic discussion.

This colloquium on Liberty, Markets, and Responsibility seeks to address the relationship among freedom, markets, and culture in both a narrow and broad sense. While markets undeniably lead to wealthier societies with superior opportunities for individuals to employ their talents and labor, questions remain for many regarding the proper cultural and moral underpinnings of markets. Moreover, criticisms are frequently leveled against markets that they undermine familial and cultural stability by promotion of a ubiquitous individualism unmoored from any tradition or larger social order. Therefore, one focus of the conference will be to evaluate these criticisms through consideration of the basis and operation of free markets, and the factors (moral, cultural, religious, or otherwise) that might be necessary to sustain them.

Covid-19 Conference Information

  • The intent is to hold this program in-person with appropriate safety precautions according to the local and federal guidelines. All accepted attendees will be required to follow safe meeting guidelines provided by Acton Institute, which includes wearing a facemask to cover mouth and nose. Individuals not comfortable with meeting in-person, or not able to follow Acton Institute's safe meeting guidelines, should not apply to this program.
  • Should local or federal regulations change, Acton Institute staff will communicate next steps in a timely fashion.
  • Due to current travel restrictions, this program is open to individuals currently living in the USA.

Application Information

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the colloquium has been filled.
  • These programs tend to fill quickly, especially as space is limited to 15 attendees.
  • Waiting lists are not maintained for these colloquia. When the program has been filled, the application will be closed.

Event Details

Start Date

End Date

Location

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
187 Monroe NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
United States

Length of Event
Weekend
Schedule

This colloquium beings at 6:30pm on Thursday, April 22, 2021 and concludes late on Saturday, April 24 for Sunday morning departures. A full schedule will be provided to accepted participants. 

Accepted participants will receive a conference package that includes single-occupancy lodging, meals, and limited travel assistance. There are no fees to attend; participants must apply to attend.

Download Sample Schedule or Frequently Asked Questions.