Economics of Good and Evil

Economics of Good and Evil

Author: Tomas Sedlacek

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2011-07-01

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 9780199831906

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Tomas Sedlacek has shaken the study of economics as few ever have. Named one of the "Young Guns" and one of the "five hot minds in economics" by the Yale Economic Review, he serves on the National Economic Council in Prague, where his provocative writing has achieved bestseller status. How has he done it? By arguing a simple, almost heretical proposition: economics is ultimately about good and evil. In The Economics of Good and Evil, Sedlacek radically rethinks his field, challenging our assumptions about the world. Economics is touted as a science, a value-free mathematical inquiry, he writes, but it's actually a cultural phenomenon, a product of our civilization. It began within philosophy--Adam Smith himself not only wrote The Wealth of Nations, but also The Theory of Moral Sentiments--and economics, as Sedlacek shows, is woven out of history, myth, religion, and ethics. "Even the most sophisticated mathematical model," Sedlacek writes, "is, de facto, a story, a parable, our effort to (rationally) grasp the world around us." Economics not only describes the world, but establishes normative standards, identifying ideal conditions. Science, he claims, is a system of beliefs to which we are committed. To grasp the beliefs underlying economics, he breaks out of the field's confines with a tour de force exploration of economic thinking, broadly defined, over the millennia. He ranges from the epic of Gilgamesh and the Old Testament to the emergence of Christianity, from Descartes and Adam Smith to the consumerism in Fight Club. Throughout, he asks searching meta-economic questions: What is the meaning and the point of economics? Can we do ethically all that we can do technically? Does it pay to be good? Placing the wisdom of philosophers and poets over strict mathematical models of human behavior, Sedlacek's groundbreaking work promises to change the way we calculate economic value.


Book Synopsis Economics of Good and Evil by : Tomas Sedlacek

Download or read book Economics of Good and Evil written by Tomas Sedlacek and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2011-07-01 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tomas Sedlacek has shaken the study of economics as few ever have. Named one of the "Young Guns" and one of the "five hot minds in economics" by the Yale Economic Review, he serves on the National Economic Council in Prague, where his provocative writing has achieved bestseller status. How has he done it? By arguing a simple, almost heretical proposition: economics is ultimately about good and evil. In The Economics of Good and Evil, Sedlacek radically rethinks his field, challenging our assumptions about the world. Economics is touted as a science, a value-free mathematical inquiry, he writes, but it's actually a cultural phenomenon, a product of our civilization. It began within philosophy--Adam Smith himself not only wrote The Wealth of Nations, but also The Theory of Moral Sentiments--and economics, as Sedlacek shows, is woven out of history, myth, religion, and ethics. "Even the most sophisticated mathematical model," Sedlacek writes, "is, de facto, a story, a parable, our effort to (rationally) grasp the world around us." Economics not only describes the world, but establishes normative standards, identifying ideal conditions. Science, he claims, is a system of beliefs to which we are committed. To grasp the beliefs underlying economics, he breaks out of the field's confines with a tour de force exploration of economic thinking, broadly defined, over the millennia. He ranges from the epic of Gilgamesh and the Old Testament to the emergence of Christianity, from Descartes and Adam Smith to the consumerism in Fight Club. Throughout, he asks searching meta-economic questions: What is the meaning and the point of economics? Can we do ethically all that we can do technically? Does it pay to be good? Placing the wisdom of philosophers and poets over strict mathematical models of human behavior, Sedlacek's groundbreaking work promises to change the way we calculate economic value.

The Good and the Economical

The Good and the Economical

Author: Peter Koslowski

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 3642785840

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Economics makes the incommensurable commensurable by money prices. On the other hand, there are varieties of goodness like the ethical that seem not to fit into the scale of prices of economics, but cannot be neglected in economizing. Ways of integrating ethics into economics must therefore be found. The aim of this book is the integration of the ethical discourse into the economic discourse about the economical and efficient. It investi§ gates into the structure of goodness. The contribution of this volume to the current debate in economic ethics and business ethics lies in its analysis of the different meanings of the good and in its reflection on the possibilities of implementing ethical goods into the practice of the economist and the manager of the firm. Its essays investigate the role of ethics in social and individual choice. They examine and compare the cultural determinants of the Western and the Japanese economies, their ethical and cultural foundations. They look into the principles of good management. How can the management incorporate human goods and consider the virtues of impartiality and of due consideration to the particular in its business practice? The book develops the idea of an ethical economizing in economics and of an ethical managing in business administration. The business of business is ethical business.


Book Synopsis The Good and the Economical by : Peter Koslowski

Download or read book The Good and the Economical written by Peter Koslowski and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Economics makes the incommensurable commensurable by money prices. On the other hand, there are varieties of goodness like the ethical that seem not to fit into the scale of prices of economics, but cannot be neglected in economizing. Ways of integrating ethics into economics must therefore be found. The aim of this book is the integration of the ethical discourse into the economic discourse about the economical and efficient. It investi§ gates into the structure of goodness. The contribution of this volume to the current debate in economic ethics and business ethics lies in its analysis of the different meanings of the good and in its reflection on the possibilities of implementing ethical goods into the practice of the economist and the manager of the firm. Its essays investigate the role of ethics in social and individual choice. They examine and compare the cultural determinants of the Western and the Japanese economies, their ethical and cultural foundations. They look into the principles of good management. How can the management incorporate human goods and consider the virtues of impartiality and of due consideration to the particular in its business practice? The book develops the idea of an ethical economizing in economics and of an ethical managing in business administration. The business of business is ethical business.

Good and Cheap

Good and Cheap

Author: Leanne Brown

Publisher: Workman Publishing Company

Published: 2015-07-14

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 0761184171

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A perfect and irresistible idea: A cookbook filled with delicious, healthful recipes created for everyone on a tight budget. While studying food policy as a master’s candidate at NYU, Leanne Brown asked a simple yet critical question: How well can a person eat on the $4 a day given by SNAP, the U.S. government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program informally known as food stamps? The answer is surprisingly well: Broiled Tilapia with Lime, Spicy Pulled Pork, Green Chile and Cheddar Quesadillas, Vegetable Jambalaya, Beet and Chickpea Salad—even desserts like Coconut Chocolate Cookies and Peach Coffee Cake. In addition to creating nutritious recipes that maximize every ingredient and use economical cooking methods, Ms. Brown gives tips on shopping; on creating pantry basics; on mastering certain staples—pizza dough, flour tortillas—and saucy extras that make everything taste better, like spice oil and tzatziki; and how to make fundamentally smart, healthful food choices. The idea for Good and Cheap is already proving itself. The author launched a Kickstarter campaign to self-publish and fund the buy one/give one model. Hundreds of thousands of viewers watched her video and donated $145,000, and national media are paying attention. Even high-profile chefs and food writers have taken note—like Mark Bittman, who retweeted the link to the campaign; Francis Lam, who called it “Terrific!”; and Michael Pollan, who cited it as a “cool kickstarter.” In the same way that TOMS turned inexpensive, stylish shoes into a larger do-good movement, Good and Cheap is poised to become a cookbook that every food lover with a conscience will embrace.


Book Synopsis Good and Cheap by : Leanne Brown

Download or read book Good and Cheap written by Leanne Brown and published by Workman Publishing Company. This book was released on 2015-07-14 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A perfect and irresistible idea: A cookbook filled with delicious, healthful recipes created for everyone on a tight budget. While studying food policy as a master’s candidate at NYU, Leanne Brown asked a simple yet critical question: How well can a person eat on the $4 a day given by SNAP, the U.S. government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program informally known as food stamps? The answer is surprisingly well: Broiled Tilapia with Lime, Spicy Pulled Pork, Green Chile and Cheddar Quesadillas, Vegetable Jambalaya, Beet and Chickpea Salad—even desserts like Coconut Chocolate Cookies and Peach Coffee Cake. In addition to creating nutritious recipes that maximize every ingredient and use economical cooking methods, Ms. Brown gives tips on shopping; on creating pantry basics; on mastering certain staples—pizza dough, flour tortillas—and saucy extras that make everything taste better, like spice oil and tzatziki; and how to make fundamentally smart, healthful food choices. The idea for Good and Cheap is already proving itself. The author launched a Kickstarter campaign to self-publish and fund the buy one/give one model. Hundreds of thousands of viewers watched her video and donated $145,000, and national media are paying attention. Even high-profile chefs and food writers have taken note—like Mark Bittman, who retweeted the link to the campaign; Francis Lam, who called it “Terrific!”; and Michael Pollan, who cited it as a “cool kickstarter.” In the same way that TOMS turned inexpensive, stylish shoes into a larger do-good movement, Good and Cheap is poised to become a cookbook that every food lover with a conscience will embrace.

Economics for the Common Good

Economics for the Common Good

Author: Mark A Lutz

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2002-11-01

Total Pages: 501

ISBN-13: 1134764081

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This textbook presents an introduction to the central issues of social economics. Building on a venerable social economics tradition, the book recommends a more rational economic order and proposes new principles of economic policy. The issues covered include: * the inadequacy of individualistic economics in guiding the policy maker * a critique of economic rationality * rethinking of the modern business corporation * a critical look at markets as panacea * the harmful effects of international competition * environmental problems. The book introduces social economic concepts and challenges the reader to look beyond the confines of mainstream economic thinking to find a solution to these critical issues.


Book Synopsis Economics for the Common Good by : Mark A Lutz

Download or read book Economics for the Common Good written by Mark A Lutz and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2002-11-01 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This textbook presents an introduction to the central issues of social economics. Building on a venerable social economics tradition, the book recommends a more rational economic order and proposes new principles of economic policy. The issues covered include: * the inadequacy of individualistic economics in guiding the policy maker * a critique of economic rationality * rethinking of the modern business corporation * a critical look at markets as panacea * the harmful effects of international competition * environmental problems. The book introduces social economic concepts and challenges the reader to look beyond the confines of mainstream economic thinking to find a solution to these critical issues.

Economic Turbulence

Economic Turbulence

Author: Clair Brown

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2008-09-15

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 0226076342

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Every day, in every sector of our economy, a business shuts down while another starts up, jobs are created while others are cut, and workers are hired while others are laid off. This constant flux, or turbulence, is a defining characteristic of our free market system, yet it mostly inspires angst about unemployment, loss of earnings, and the overall competitiveness of corporations. But is this endless cycle of fluctuation really so bad for America? Might something positive be going on in the economy as a result of it? In this penetrating work, three esteemed economists seek to answer these questions by exploring the real impact of volatility on American workers and businesses alike. According to the authors, while any number of events--shifts in consumer demand, changes in technology, mergers and acquisitions, or increased competition--can contribute to economic turbulence, our economy as a whole is, by and large, stronger for it, because these processes of creation and destruction make it more flexible and adaptable. The authors also acknowledge and document the adverse consequences of this turbulence on different groups of workers and firms and discuss the resulting policy challenges. Basing their argument on an up-close look into the dealings and practices of five key industries—financial services, retail food services, trucking, semiconductors, and software—the authors demonstrate the positive effects of turbulence on career paths, employee earnings, and firm performance. The first substantial attempt to disentangle and make clear the complexities of this phenomenon in the United States, Economic Turbulence will be viewed as a major achievement and the centerpiece of any discussion on the subject for years to come.


Book Synopsis Economic Turbulence by : Clair Brown

Download or read book Economic Turbulence written by Clair Brown and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2008-09-15 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Every day, in every sector of our economy, a business shuts down while another starts up, jobs are created while others are cut, and workers are hired while others are laid off. This constant flux, or turbulence, is a defining characteristic of our free market system, yet it mostly inspires angst about unemployment, loss of earnings, and the overall competitiveness of corporations. But is this endless cycle of fluctuation really so bad for America? Might something positive be going on in the economy as a result of it? In this penetrating work, three esteemed economists seek to answer these questions by exploring the real impact of volatility on American workers and businesses alike. According to the authors, while any number of events--shifts in consumer demand, changes in technology, mergers and acquisitions, or increased competition--can contribute to economic turbulence, our economy as a whole is, by and large, stronger for it, because these processes of creation and destruction make it more flexible and adaptable. The authors also acknowledge and document the adverse consequences of this turbulence on different groups of workers and firms and discuss the resulting policy challenges. Basing their argument on an up-close look into the dealings and practices of five key industries—financial services, retail food services, trucking, semiconductors, and software—the authors demonstrate the positive effects of turbulence on career paths, employee earnings, and firm performance. The first substantial attempt to disentangle and make clear the complexities of this phenomenon in the United States, Economic Turbulence will be viewed as a major achievement and the centerpiece of any discussion on the subject for years to come.

The Experience Economy

The Experience Economy

Author: B. Joseph Pine

Publisher: Harvard Business Press

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 9780875848198

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This text seeks to raise the curtain on competitive pricing strategies and asserts that businesses often miss their best opportunity for providing consumers with what they want - an experience. It presents a strategy for companies to script and stage the experiences provided by their products.


Book Synopsis The Experience Economy by : B. Joseph Pine

Download or read book The Experience Economy written by B. Joseph Pine and published by Harvard Business Press. This book was released on 1999 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This text seeks to raise the curtain on competitive pricing strategies and asserts that businesses often miss their best opportunity for providing consumers with what they want - an experience. It presents a strategy for companies to script and stage the experiences provided by their products.

The Darwin Economy

The Darwin Economy

Author: Robert H. Frank

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2012-09-16

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 0691156689

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Argues that ecologist Charles Darwin's understanding of competition describes economic reality far more accurately than economist Adam Smith's theories ever did.


Book Synopsis The Darwin Economy by : Robert H. Frank

Download or read book The Darwin Economy written by Robert H. Frank and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2012-09-16 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Argues that ecologist Charles Darwin's understanding of competition describes economic reality far more accurately than economist Adam Smith's theories ever did.

Feeling Good Or Doing Good with Sanctions

Feeling Good Or Doing Good with Sanctions

Author: Ernest H. Preeg

Publisher: Center for Strategic & International Studies

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 284

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Feeling Good Or Doing Good with Sanctions by : Ernest H. Preeg

Download or read book Feeling Good Or Doing Good with Sanctions written by Ernest H. Preeg and published by Center for Strategic & International Studies. This book was released on 1999 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Economic Fables

Economic Fables

Author: Ariel Rubinstein

Publisher: Open Book Publishers

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 266

ISBN-13: 1906924775

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"I had the good fortune to grow up in a wonderful area of Jerusalem, surrounded by a diverse range of people: Rabbi Meizel, the communist Sala Marcel, my widowed Aunt Hannah, and the intellectual Yaacovson. As far as I'm concerned, the opinion of such people is just as authoritative for making social and economic decisions as the opinion of an expert using a model." Part memoir, part crash-course in economic theory, this deeply engaging book by one of the world's foremost economists looks at economic ideas through a personal lens. Together with an introduction to some of the central concepts in modern economic thought, Ariel Rubinstein offers some powerful and entertaining reflections on his childhood, family and career. In doing so, he challenges many of the central tenets of game theory, and sheds light on the role economics can play in society at large. Economic Fables is as thought-provoking for seasoned economists as it is enlightening for newcomers to the field.


Book Synopsis Economic Fables by : Ariel Rubinstein

Download or read book Economic Fables written by Ariel Rubinstein and published by Open Book Publishers. This book was released on 2012 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "I had the good fortune to grow up in a wonderful area of Jerusalem, surrounded by a diverse range of people: Rabbi Meizel, the communist Sala Marcel, my widowed Aunt Hannah, and the intellectual Yaacovson. As far as I'm concerned, the opinion of such people is just as authoritative for making social and economic decisions as the opinion of an expert using a model." Part memoir, part crash-course in economic theory, this deeply engaging book by one of the world's foremost economists looks at economic ideas through a personal lens. Together with an introduction to some of the central concepts in modern economic thought, Ariel Rubinstein offers some powerful and entertaining reflections on his childhood, family and career. In doing so, he challenges many of the central tenets of game theory, and sheds light on the role economics can play in society at large. Economic Fables is as thought-provoking for seasoned economists as it is enlightening for newcomers to the field.

God's Good Economy

God's Good Economy

Author: Andrew Hartropp

Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

Published: 2019-08-15

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 1783597658

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‘The earth is the Lord’s’ (Ps.24:1). God states that He is the rightful owner of the earth and everything in it. God wants people to enjoy material things – but God must be the centre of our lives. Christ’s radical call to his followers includes the call to let him drive our economic and business life. This means letting God’s justice rule all our economic relationships: treating people rightly; a constant seeking of justice for, especially, the poor and needy; working so that all participate in God’s blessings, including material blessings. In Part 1, Andrew Hartropp looks at how Christ’s followers are to do justice in our economic relationships: as individuals, as households, in the workplace and as church communities. Then, moving outward (in concentric circles), Part 2 shows how Jesus’s disciples can do justice in and through secular institutions, including companies and firms, banks and other financial institutions, then government institutions, and then in the international/global context. The epilogue is on the glorious vision of God’s everlasting kingdom, which both drives us and also keeps our efforts now in proper perspective.


Book Synopsis God's Good Economy by : Andrew Hartropp

Download or read book God's Good Economy written by Andrew Hartropp and published by Inter-Varsity Press. This book was released on 2019-08-15 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ‘The earth is the Lord’s’ (Ps.24:1). God states that He is the rightful owner of the earth and everything in it. God wants people to enjoy material things – but God must be the centre of our lives. Christ’s radical call to his followers includes the call to let him drive our economic and business life. This means letting God’s justice rule all our economic relationships: treating people rightly; a constant seeking of justice for, especially, the poor and needy; working so that all participate in God’s blessings, including material blessings. In Part 1, Andrew Hartropp looks at how Christ’s followers are to do justice in our economic relationships: as individuals, as households, in the workplace and as church communities. Then, moving outward (in concentric circles), Part 2 shows how Jesus’s disciples can do justice in and through secular institutions, including companies and firms, banks and other financial institutions, then government institutions, and then in the international/global context. The epilogue is on the glorious vision of God’s everlasting kingdom, which both drives us and also keeps our efforts now in proper perspective.