Description
Book SynopsisThe important yet contradictory role of innovation in society calls for a philosophy of innovation. Critically exploring innovation in relation to values, the economy and social change, Rafael Ziegler proposes a collaborative theory and practice of innovation that aims to liberate possibilities for our common futures.
Following cues from the arts and drawing on the innovation literature across the social sciences, this book exposes pro-innovation bias and the gospel of disruptive change. Not only entrepreneurs but also civic networks and tinkerers are discussed as sources of innovation, and social change as a balancing act of innovation, exnovation and restoration. The discussion of capabilitarian, communitarian, liberal, republican and socialist ideas of justice and innovation leads Ziegler to a transformative proposal: 'enough innovation' based on enough for all and with respect for all.
This is a thought-provoking read for scholars working on sustainability-transformation, democratic, responsible and social innovation, and philosophy of economics.
Trade Review‘Ziegler makes a brilliant contribution to the investigation of some of the most urgent ethical issues of the twenty-first century.’ -- Michel Bourban, Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation
‘I have found Ziegler’s Innovation, ethics and our common futures a very inspirational book. It opens up new ways for engaging with one of the most pressing challenges of our times and offers bold new ideas, which give fresh impetus to the discourse on innovation. I highly recommend reading the book for anyone interested in the philosophy of innovation and sustainability.’ -- Job Timmermans, Philosophy of Management
‘Innovation, Ethics and Our Common Future
provides a timely contribution to the critical reflection of the role of innovation in the light of the unsustainability of modern-day (western) societies.’ -- Rick Hölsgens, NOvation
'Innovations presume to be improvements, but such presumptions are essentially contested. As Ziegler shows, such contest has deep roots in ethics. Ziegler's book for the first time connects studies on social innovations with reflections from ethical theories. It analyses evaluative perspectives which determine what counts as innovation. I see Ziegler's approach as a groundbreaking paradigm shift in the theory of innovation. It fulfills the idea that books on innovations should be innovative in themselves.' --Konrad Ott, Kiel University, Germany
Table of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction to innovation and ethics – a collaborative philosophy 2. Varieties of innovation – business, grassroots and democratic 3. Fair enough? – justice and innovation from a liberal-egalitarian perspective 4. Collaborative pluralism – community and capability 5. Innovation, domination and emancipation 6. Enough innovation References Index
