Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to refer to ecological economics using two meanings of the term “ecological”. In the strict scientific sense, ecological economics refers to an economic system that is consistent with and honors the basic principles of ecology, which, ultimately, are identical with what the authors call the systemic principles of life. In a broader sense ecological economics refers to economic theory and practice that see the economy as operating within, rather than dominating, the spheres of nature, society, and culture.Design/methodology/approachThe authors distill four fundamental principles for ecological economics based on systems theory of life and philosophy of organism. The four principles are; nested systems, self-generating networks, open systems, and cognitive interactions. The authors discuss how these principles can be applied to design an ecological economic system that is life-enhancing on individual, social and ecological levels.FindingsThe authors argue that ecological economics should give priority to activities that maximize well-being of human and non-human beings, as well as entire ecosystems, and that its central purpose should be to serve the life processes in social and ecological systems.Originality/valueIn this paper, the authors connect ecological economics to systems theory and come up with principles relevant for developing economic theory and practice within, rather than dominating, the spheres of nature, society, and culture.
Highlights
Today’s global economy has put ecosystems and societies into critical distress, and we have to go to the very root of the problems to find new solutions
We suggest a new conceptual framework for economic theory and practice based on systemic principles of life
To build an alternative economic system along the lines discussed in this paper the basic systemic principles of life must be understood at all levels
Summary
Today’s global economy has put ecosystems and societies into critical distress, and we have to go to the very root of the problems to find new solutions. There is a need for a new transdisciplinary economics which unites opposites and creates basis for peace in ourselves, between people and between people and nature. Today’s economy generates conflict in all areas. We suggest a new conceptual framework for economic theory and practice based on systemic principles of life. It is obvious that the dominating economy involves a great deal of violence against people and nature. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
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