The book deals with the problems of the world in the social and economic aspects. The general idea is that neoliberalism is basically wrong and will never solve the problem of a fair living standard for everyone. So-called development is not progress at all, but rather it is a sick growth if not done on moral bases. The human creature believes it has reached the final point in evolution, a kind of perfect being, while in fact evolution is not finished and we have to continue the way in spiritual development. If there is any growth or development to be done, it must be a growth in consciousness, and the way to achieve it is through meditation, or other means of sef-improvement. The book rests on a lot of research but absolutely not on personal speculation, the underlying thread and inspiration comes from traditional spiritual wisdom, and this allows a general view that joins everything together from basic wants to spiritual needs. Mankind is already well engaged on its way to a better future.

This book is an analysis of our world's present condition seen from a spiritual vantage point. Its holistic view exposes the major problems we face: arms budgets, twisted democracy, nuclear energy, overpopulation, giant cities, etc, and allows us to consider what the solutions might be. We cannot solve our problems without the coherent and unified vision that can be found in ancient spiritual traditions. The ageless wisdom of Tao offers a profound and little-known understanding of the origin and structure of the world. It gives us the means to understand what we are, what our destiny might be and how we might best live.

In this collection of his recent and classic essays, distinguished philosopher Nicholas Rescher explores a variety of contemporary public policy issues ranging from the use of quantitative data in social policy making to problems in biomedical ethics. Offering a rational approach to questions often treated with more heat than light, the essays demonstrate the usefulness of philosophical reflection on social and political issues, and make it clear that questions of moral right and wrong are always relevant.

Nicholas Rescher examines the controversial social issue of the welfare state, and offers philosophical thoughts on the limits and liabilities of government and society. Questioning some of the principal assumptions of democratic theory and classical liberalism, Rescher theorizes that the current system is not a be-all end-all, but rather a necessity with limited scope that will ultimately fail to achieve its objectives. He further purports that the welfare state must be a transitional phase to a more affluent postindustrial society-a satisfying life, rather than an adequate one.

Overview This book is a philosophical reflection (using mainly Hegel, in addition to 1 Adam Smith, Kant, Marx and Catholic Social Thought) about the soc- political dimension of economics. In it I both agree and disagree with the slogan that “the least government is the best government. ” I agree with the slogan, in particular as it applies to the economic domain. Adam Smith taught us that rational and self-interested individuals, left by themselves, create a more efficient and reliable economic system than one in which the government has a heavy role as was the case in his time with the merc- tile system (Smith, 14, 651). Ludwig von Mises demonstrated the same idea for the communist command economy (Hayek 1935, 87–130). I d- agree with the above mentioned slogan if it is interpreted as suggesting that we can best forget about the role of the government for a good functioning economy. Instead, I will argue that the government has an important fu- tion in creating the proper regulations and the wise institutional arran- ments which will allow the economy to flourish in a more efficient, fair and humane way. This book is interdisciplinary in nature. It is a philosophical and ethical reflection on economics. Hence, I make use of philosophical ideas, often but not exclusively those of Hegel. I reflect philosophically on economic concepts.

Since 2008, the financial sector has been the subject of extensive criticism. Much of this criticism has focused on the morality of the actors involved in the crisis and its extended aftermath. This book analyses the key moral and political philosophical issues of the crisis and relates them to the political economy of finance. It also examines to what extent the financial sector can or should be reformed. This book is unified by the view that the financial sector had been a self-serving and self-regulating elite consumed by greed, speculation and even lawlessness, with little sense of responsibility to the wider society or common good. In light of critical analysis by authors from a variety of backgrounds and persuasions, suggestions for reform and improvement are proposed, in some cases radical reform. By placing the world of finance under a microscope, this book analyses the assumptions that have led from hubris to disgrace as it provides suggestions for an improved society. Rooted in philosophical reflection, this book invites a critical reassessment of finance and its societal role in the 21st century. This book will be of interest to academics, politicians, central bankers and financial regulators who wish to improve the morality of finance.