Hendrik Opdebeeck

University of Antwerp
Steering Committee Member

Hendrik Opdebeeck is professor of Philosophy and Economics at the University of Antwerp where he is affiliated to the Centre of Ethics. He studied philosophy and economics at the universities of Leuven and Gent where he obtained a PhD with a dissertation on E.F. Schumacher (1911-1977) and the polyparadigmatic discourse in economics. His research interest is focused on the cultural-philosophical backgrounds and effects of globalisation with special attention to the role of spirituality and technology. 'As one of the co-founders of SPES, in 2004.2020 he served as chairman of the SPES Forum vzw. His books in English include Frugality: Rebalancing Material and Spiritual Values in Economic Life (2008, Peter Lang, Oxford), Spiritual Humanism and Economic Wisdom (2011, Garant) and Responsible Economics: E.F. Schumacher and His Legacy for the 21st Century (2013, Peter Lang, Oxford).