Description
Book SynopsisIn this innovative book, S. Niggol Seo investigates the intrinsic and intriguing relationship between the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the principles of economics and happiness. Offering a unique perspective on the topic, Seo delves deep into the theoretical foundations of economics and Buddhist teachings, highlighting how these seemingly polar opposite thought systems cross paths.
Seo argues that when it comes to markets, prices, interest rates, growth, poverty, and environmental protection, Buddhism and economics share a number of common economic ideas. Written in an accessible style, Seo presents both a succinct and encompassing description of Buddhism for economists, as well as a comprehensive overview of economics. Buddha, Wisdom and Economics brings together in a balanced and systematic way the common ground between both endeavours. It further examines important topics in the field in light of Buddhist teachings, including economic growth and happiness, poverty and environmental protection.
This thought-provoking book will be an invigorating read for undergraduate and postgraduate economics students and to those with a particular interest in development economics, religion, welfare and happiness studies. It also offers ground-breaking insights for economic policy-makers looking to better understand the intersection between Buddhism and economics.
Trade Review‘Buddha, Wisdom and Economics: A Contribution to the Art of Happiness
by S. Niggol Seo is a complicated and thoughtful treatise of two facets of the author's life. The first has been spent reading and absorbing the thoughts of the three Buddhas. The second has been a long professional education understanding economics and applying that understanding specifically to environmental economics. The aim of the book is to present a deeper understanding of Buddhism to economists and an introduction of economics to Buddhists.' -- Robert Mendelsohn, Yale University, US
Table of ContentsContents: Preface viii About the Author 1 Introduction to Buddha, Wisdom and Economics 2 Buddha: a concise introduction with life stories for this audience 3 Perfection of wisdom: a concise introduction for this audience 4 Market: the foundation of economics 5 The value of something: material value versus inner value 6 Capital and interest rate: no possessions or earn profits? 7 Economic growth: happiness versus growth 8 Poverty: all people being equal versus getting people out of poverty 9 Environmental protection: protect all versus protect wisely 10 Personal reflections on bodhisattva deeds in the “reality” of the market Bibliography of the Sutras Cited Index
