Economics, Ethics, and Ancient Thought - 9781138840263

Taylor & Francis

Economics, Ethics, and Ancient ThoughtTowards a virtuous public policy\nAuthor(s): Donald G. Richards\nFormat: Hardback\nPublisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, United Kingdom\nImprint: Routledge\nISBN-13: 9781138840263, 978-1138840263\nSynopsis\nIt is argued that the normative and ethical presuppositions of standard economics render the discipline incapable of addressing an important class of problems involving human choices. Economics adopts too thin an account both of human motivation and of \""the good\"" for individuals and for society. It is recommended that economists and policy-makers look back to ancient philosophy for guidance on the good life and good society considered in terms of eudaimonism, or human flourishing.\n\nEconomics, Ethics, and Ancient Thought begins by outlining the limitations of the normative and ethical presuppositions that underpin standard economic theory, before going on to suggest alternative normative and ethical traditions that can supplement or replace .