Economics for Rebels
Value pluralism - Seb O'Connor
Nov 21, 2024
Seb O'Connor, a lecturer in ecological economics, discusses the crucial intersection of values and decision-making in economics. He highlights how prevailing economic values often neglect diverse perspectives, affecting sustainability. O'Connor critiques the reductionist views upheld by major institutions and examines the historical impact of colonialism on value systems. He advocates for inclusive practices like citizen assemblies to ensure that democratic processes incorporate a plurality of values, especially in tackling environmental crises.
34:22
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Quick takeaways
- Contemporary economic systems often overlook diverse values, prioritizing individual utility over the collective good, leading to societal discontent.
- Emphasizing democratic decision-making and community voices in economic decisions is vital for fostering inclusive and sustainable governance of resources.
Deep dives
Worldview and Economic Values
A narrow worldview dominates contemporary society, leading to a mechanistic view that separates nature from society. This perspective supports an economistic approach, commodifying nature and treating it as mere services to be traded. Such a limited view contrasts with the idea that nature is interlinked with human existence, suggesting that economics must account for ecological and ethical dimensions. Understanding this connection is crucial for fostering more sustainable and just economic systems that respect both nature and societal values.
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