Ecodynamics: A New Theory of Societal Evolution

by Kenneth E. Boulding

Since its publication in 1979, this classic exposition of how society evolves has commanded the attention of both readers and reviewers. In 1981 a new paperback edition was printed, in order to make the book more widely available. ′...the book is an astonishing triumph. For those of us who find something lacking in the narrow precision of our professional work, merely to undertake a synthesis of such breadth is an act of considerable courage. To have succeeded to the extent that Boulding has is an achievement on a scale difficult to contemplate.′ -- Contemporary Psychology, September 1979 ′Boulding′s masterwork is full of wise and provocative insights into an amazing range of phenomena. It is one of those b

Genres: Economics, Environment

361 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[The Capital Institute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boulding argues in this text that humanity’s social evolution can be seen as the “evolution of human artifacts.” Social evolution occurs in two parts – physical and biological. Boulding first studies the physical processes that allow life to develop, then looks at the evolution of human artifacts, such as buildings, language and the ability to learn, as a driving force behind evolution in human society. Boulding also looks at the dynamics of evolution and the limits to evolutionary processes, as well as global disparities in wealth, the growth of science, the exhaustion of material resources and population growth.

[Paul Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arguably Boulding's greatest book.