Foundations for a Humanitarian Economy: Re-thinking Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy

The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius offers a radically different understanding of economic concepts that critique mainstream neoclassical and neoliberal economics. It emphasizes wealth from inner happiness and virtues, poverty from hoarding outer possessions, self-sufficiency in the greater whole, enlightenment through misfortune, and development as fruition from the Good. These economic considerations resonate with heterodox economic perspectives and offer alternatives to an ever-expanding industrial market economy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 90 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The modern global economy and discipline of economics prioritize mathematical calculation over human concern. However, a re-reading of Boethius' The Consolation of Philosophy can shed light on the contrasting values and spirit of the early medieval European world compared to our scientific age. In this book, Boethius delves into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped his writing, exploring how Consolation offers a radically different perspective on economic concepts. He emphasizes wealth as derived from inner happiness and virtues, poverty as a result of hoarding outer possessions, self-sufficiency within the greater whole, enlightenment through misfortune, and development as the fruition of the Good. These economic considerations align with various heterodox economic perspectives, including Ecological and Buddhist Economics. The fundamental revaluations presented by Boethius critique mainstream neoclassical and neoliberal economics, including consumerism, avarice, growth fetishism, and market rationality. These economic foundations resonate in a time when global crises prompt questions about fundamental human priorities. They offer alternatives to an ever-expanding industrial market economy driven solely by profit, thereby helping to mitigate irrevocable socio-ecological disasters.

The issues raised and questioned in this book hold significant interest for readers engaged in pluralist approaches to economics, philosophy, classics, ancient history, and theology. The Open Access version of this book, accessible at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032127620