Economics for the Common Good: Two Centuries of Economic Thought in the Humanist Tradition

by Lutz; Mark A.

• ISBN13: 9780415143134
• ISBN10: 0415143136
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1999-04-16
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This volume provides an introduction to economics in terms of human rather than material welfare. Building on a social economics tradition, it proposes a more rational economic order and develops new principles of economic policy. The issues covered include: the inadequacy of individualistic economics in guiding policy formation; a logical critique of economic rationality; rethinking of the modern business corporation; a critique of modern trade theory and unregulated international competition; and how standard economic theory encourages major ecological problems.Economics for the Common Goodintroduces social economic concepts and demonstrates their continuing relevance to the ills of an increasingly global society. In approaching problems generally conceived to be purely economic, from a social and ecological perspective, the author explores the vital interface between economics, ethics and politics.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Source Acknowledgments	xiv
Introducing social economics	1	(20)
The grandfather of social economics: J.C.L. Simonde de Sismondi	21	(34)
The germination of social economics on British soil	55	(16)
In Sismondi's spirit: John A. Hobson	71	(33)
Ethics, science and economic welfare	104	(21)
Tracking the common good	125	(21)
How reasonable is economic rationality?	146	(19)
Rethinking the corporation	165	(27)
Whither the market and globalization?	192	(30)
The ultimate challenge	222	(27)
Social economics as an alternative	249	(24)
Bibliography	273	(14)
Guide to Further Reading	287	(2)
Index	289