The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) has announced that American philosopher and political economist James Otteson will be the recipient of this year’s Julian L. Simon Memorial Award at CEI’s annual dinner scheduled for September 18. Hernando de Soto, president of the Institute for Liberty and Democracy and a proponent of free trade, will deliver the keynote address.
James Otteson, known as the “Adam Smith professor,” has spent over a decade teaching topics such as market morality, business ethics, and purposeful living. He currently holds the position of John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics at the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. His works include “Adam Smith’s Marketplace of Life” published in 2002 and an upcoming book titled “Human Dignity: Surprising Implications for Taking a Key Idea Seriously.”
Otteson expressed his gratitude saying, “It is an honor to receive this award, not only because of the esteemed company of past winners but also for the legacy of Julian Simon himself, who reminded us that human beings are our most valuable—and indeed ‘ultimate’—resource.”
Kent Lassman, CEI president and CEO, praised Otteson stating, “Jim Otteson gives us the tools to discover meaningful answers to the question of why we pursue a free society.” Lassman added that liberal ideas like tolerance and open exchange form the foundation for peace and prosperity.
Hernando de Soto’s career highlights include receiving awards such as the 2018 Julian L. Simon Memorial Award and being recognized among fifteen innovators poised to impact future developments. De Soto said he is “incredibly grateful for the opportunity to speak with CEI and its dinner guests about the importance of property rights and free trade to a just and prosperous society.”
The event will take place at the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The annual gala celebrates Julian Simon’s vision of mankind as a crucial resource.
For more information on this year’s Simon Dinner or to register, interested parties are encouraged to visit CEI’s event page.