MAN 532: Property – The basis of the modern economic and social order

Contents
Civil society is inconceivable without the concept of property. The ability to acquire and sell property forms the basis of entrepreneurship, but also of individual freedom. Theorists from Karl Marx to Milton Friedman agreed on this. However, since the beginning of civil property, there has been disagreement about the possibility of its justification (how does one actually increase property? Work vs. interest) and its permanence (real estate exists forever, intellectual property has an expiration date). These questions are becoming increasingly relevant due to advances in the development of artificial intelligence, risk optimization of capital allocation favored by large portfolios, and the biosphere, which is widely understood as a commons. The seminar aims to understand classical property theories and apply them to current problems.

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students

• ... will have acquired knowledge of how the concept of property has developed and differentiated historically.
• ... will understand the significance of property and property regimes for the modern economic and social order.
• ... will be able to distinguish between different forms of property (e.g., real property, tangible property, intellectual property, financial property) and analyze their effects on economic activity.

Necessary prerequisites
–

Recommended prerequisites
Acquisition of philosophical and economic literature that serves as the basis for the presentations.

Examiner Performing lecturer

Dr. Carsten Lotz Dr. Carsten Lotz