The January 2009 issue of the E-Journal of "Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence" focuses on the theme:
The Sustainable Development Paradox
http://pelicanweb.org/solisustv05n01.html
As part of a series of articles on "dimensions of sustainable development," the January 2009 issue concludes that it is not possible to integrate the social, economic, and political dimensions of sustainable development unless "homo economicus" becomes "homo solidarius." Basically, this means making decisions and taking action based on both self-interest and the common good. Usually this leads to consuming less and sharing more.
Moving forward, I need information and data on programs, policies, and social diffusion methods (especially via internet) to promote the transition from "homo economicus" to "homo solidarius," individually and collectively.
Any help is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
Luis
_________________________________
Luis T. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Editor, Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence
http://pelicanweb.org/solisust.html
Luis Gutierrez
E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence
http://pelicanweb.org/solisust.html
The Sustainable Development Paradox
Sign in or Sign up to comment
Hi Luis,
I have just been reading "Banker to the Poor" by Muhummad Yunus, who won a Nobel Prize for inventing microfinance as a way of alleviating poverty. He is an economist, and at the end of his book he takes up your theme, and has quite a discourse on what he calls the social-consciousness driven sector. It is a theory which does not abandon capitalism, but tweeks it to include social return as a key goal of entrepreneurship, in addition to profit maximisation. The Grameen Bank journey is a fantastic story which attests to the theory.
For an excellent, truly modern internet based example of what you are seeking, go to kiva.org, where individuals and groups can make microloans to people in developing countries all over the world. This is so popular that there is currently more credit available than people to lend to!
Regards,
Andrea Koch
Sustainability Consultant
Sydney, Australia
Andrea Koch
Australia
Thanks Mark!
Luis Gutierrez
E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence
http://pelicanweb.org/solisust.html
Thanks Andrea!
Luis Gutierrez
E-Journal of Solidarity, Sustainability, and Nonviolence
http://pelicanweb.org/solisust.html
I do not know how I could provide the help you request but I have one point you may consider with best regards.
I think that your premise for 'action based on both self-interest and the common good' is not as precise as it could be.
More accurately presented, I think the idea would be this.
Looking deeper at the nature and needs of mankind will bring one to the realization....that a healthy and well functioning self-interest includes the consideration of 'common good'. You do not need some of each. It is not a case where a portion of each is balanced precariously in a give and take relationship. It is a case where one, through greater understanding of self and the world, fully and selfishly embraces the inescapable fact that things and others outside self matter. The quality of others lives do affect the quality of ones own.
In short, common good is included in self interest. But the subtleties and details of the matter are only seen well by a healthy self-interested person with knowledge of and a connection to nature and its ways. Obtaining intellectual health is no easy matter in todays world of smoke and mirrors. But mostly, its a matter of restoring accuracy in ones own mind and in the world around us, which is why I took a moment to share these thoughts.
Mark Sudbury
UnitedStates