Wellbeing, Nature, and Moral Values in Economics: How Modern Economic Analysis Faces the Challenges Ahead

Drawing on modern economic analysis, this book explores the interplay between wellbeing, nature, and moral values in economics, arguing that standard economic analysis is inadequate to address global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainability, and pandemic diseases. It advocates for the integration of these three themes as the natural environment is crucial to human wellbeing, and moral values are essential for environmentally benign behaviors. The book also focuses on how specific moral values shape economic behavior.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Drawing on more contemporary expressions of economic analysis, this comprehensive book delves into the intricate interplay between wellbeing, nature, and moral values in economics. In traditional accounts of economics, these three themes are often treated in isolation from each other or overlooked entirely. However, this book argues that such a narrow approach fails to adequately address the pressing global contemporary challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainability, and the risk of pandemic diseases.

To rectify this deficiency, the book reviews the extensive economic literature to demonstrate that the last few decades have witnessed a resurgence of human wellbeing, natural resources, and moral values in economic analysis. These three themes, which were central to early economic thought, hold immense relevance to the challenges ahead. The book advocates for a greater integration of these three themes as the natural environment plays a vital role in human well-being, and moral values are essential for promoting environmentally responsible behaviors.

Furthermore, the book delves into how specific moral values, identified by contemporary moral psychology, shape economic behavior rather than merely prescribing abstract ethical principles. By examining the interplay between these variables, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that drive economic decision-making and provides a framework for developing more sustainable and equitable economic policies.

This book will appeal to a wide range of readers, including economists, social scientists, and behavioral economists, who are interested in exploring the intersection of wellbeing, nature, and moral values in economics. It offers a thought-provoking and insightful perspective on contemporary economic challenges and provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032072562