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Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Common Sense
* Addresses the philosophical and scientific roots of sustainability
* Examines neglected ethical and moral aspects of capitalist economic theory
* Advocates a new sustainable paradigm for all living organizations, businesses, economics, and societies
Over the past half-century, capitalist economics has deviated from its original social purpose into an amoral quest for economic growth at any cost. A relentless pursuit of profits and the "bottom line" poses a constant threat to the earth and the life upon it. Ikerd, who spent the first half of his thirty-year academic career as a traditional free-market, neoclassical economist, came to see the inherently extractive and exploitative nature of his own field and began to develop an alternative vision for capitalism, which he lays out in this book.
In order to foster a new economics of sustainability, social and ethical values must be reintegrated into capitalist economics, thus restoring a sense of balance into the economic system that ensures that communities the world over will thrive. Rather than calling for the overthrow of capitalism, Ikerd suggests how capitalism can become a vehicle for these ends.
Both a penetrating critique of capitalism and an exploration of its vast and untapped potential for maximizing human welfare, Sustainable A Matter of Common Sense is written for those concerned with the future of our planet and the continued viability of global capitalism.
* Examines neglected ethical and moral aspects of capitalist economic theory
* Advocates a new sustainable paradigm for all living organizations, businesses, economics, and societies
Over the past half-century, capitalist economics has deviated from its original social purpose into an amoral quest for economic growth at any cost. A relentless pursuit of profits and the "bottom line" poses a constant threat to the earth and the life upon it. Ikerd, who spent the first half of his thirty-year academic career as a traditional free-market, neoclassical economist, came to see the inherently extractive and exploitative nature of his own field and began to develop an alternative vision for capitalism, which he lays out in this book.
In order to foster a new economics of sustainability, social and ethical values must be reintegrated into capitalist economics, thus restoring a sense of balance into the economic system that ensures that communities the world over will thrive. Rather than calling for the overthrow of capitalism, Ikerd suggests how capitalism can become a vehicle for these ends.
Both a penetrating critique of capitalism and an exploration of its vast and untapped potential for maximizing human welfare, Sustainable A Matter of Common Sense is written for those concerned with the future of our planet and the continued viability of global capitalism.
232 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 21, 2012
"For years, John Ikerd's writings and speeches have provided precious insights into the economics of this nation's food system, exploding the myth that factory farms are economically imperative. In this brilliant book, he makes a powerful case for a new capitalistic economy: one that is environmentally sound, socially just, and economically sustainable."
- Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
- Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
June 6, 2008
Interesting to see how what we currently call capitalist economy is really corporate capitalism. It is a far cry from what Adam Smith was talking about. The book takes some wading if not familiar with economics, but it is a valuable perspective on our current economic system.
November 2, 2011
I heard this guy speak on a local WMNF radio show on sustainability. He made sense. I am looking forward to learning - for change.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews