Description
Book SynopsisAn inspiring outline of a new economics system, where justice, human dignity, compassion and reverence for life are the guiding values. The economic system under which we live not only forces the great majority of humankind to live their lives in indignity and poverty but also threatens all forms of life on Earth.
Economics Unmasked presents a cogent critique of the dominant economic system, showing that the theoretical constructions of mainstream economics work mainly to bring about injustice. The merciless onslaught on the global ecosystem of recent decades, brought about by the massive increase in the production of goods and the consequent depletion of nature’s reserves, is not a chance property of the economic system. It is a direct result of neoliberal economic thinking, which recognizes value only in material things. The growth obsession is not a mistaken conception that mainstream economists can unlearn, it is inherent in their view of life. But a socio-economic system based on the growth obsession can never be sustainable. This book outlines the foundations of a new economics, where we are not ruled by greed and injustice. Contrary to the absurd assumption of mainstream economists that economics is a value-free science, a new economics must make its values explicit.
Trade ReviewThe world urgently needs original and creative thinking about economics - the sort of thinking that Manfred Max-Neef has been offering for several decades. His latest book (written jointly with Philip B. Smith) is an inspiring statement that there is an alternative to the hollow dream of globalisation. * Molly Scott Cato, Reader in Green Economics at Cardiff School of Management *
Philip B. Smith and Manfred Max Neef have done something remarkable and necessary - they have set the self-deceptions of mainstream economics and the real world onto a collision course. * Andrew Simms, Fellow New Economics Foundation *
Much of the language of the book is passionate and emotive. * Feasta *
One good way for honest economics professors to fight back is to recommend this book to their students. * Herman Daly, Professor at University of Maryland *
Presents a cogent critique of the dominant economics system in order to help transform our society into one in which all forms of life will be protected. * Postive News *
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction: the case for a new economics From knowledge to understanding The function of economics in society Keynesianism: its rise and fall Honesty and value premises Imitation of the exact sciences: reductionism, mathematical models and Pareto Economic growth Globalization Compassion The world on a collision course and the need for a new economics A humane economics for the twenty-first century The United States: an underdeveloping nation A non-toxic teaching of economics Implementation: from the village to a global order References and notes Index
