For over 2000 years, economics was studied in the West as a branch of ethics, or moral philosophy. Presently, though, few economists and no textbook in economic orthodoxy claim any close connection between economic science and philosophy. However, might the current ‘crises’ in economics, and in the economics profession have their deep roots in the separation of economics from philosophy and ethics? American pragmatism, among the various contemporary philosophic traditions, lends itself specially to dialogue with economics because of its view of philosophy as an instrument for solving the real, concrete problems of human life, both personal and social. The essays in this volume, drawing heavily on the tradition of pragmatism, suggest that the economic crises of our time (the 2008 collapse of real estate and finance markets) might not be merely technical in nature - that is, the result of faulty applications of economic tools by politicians and policy makers, based up conventional economic models - but also due to the faulty philosophical assumptions underlying those models. These essays suggest that the overcoming of our current economic crises requires that economists once again become moral philosophers, or that philosophers once again engage themselves in economic matters. In either case, this volume aims to foster dialogue between the two disciplines and in that way, contribute to the improvement of contemporary economic life. This book is suitable for those who study political economy, economic theory and economic philosophy.

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 traces the collapse of integrity, the abandonment of responsibility, and the failures of moral courage that underlie the financial numbers - and identifies the changes in thinking needed to bring us back into balance.

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.

This book directly addresses the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. It does so by focusing on both the immediate effects during the pandemic and the lockdowns, as well as the issues related to the long-term social consequences that are likely to result from the economic crisis in the coming years. To date, most philosophical essays and books have focused on the health aspects of the pandemic, and in particular on the fields of medical ethics and public health ethics. Containing a truly international and interdisciplinary group of scholars, a unique and global perspective is offered on the rarely discussed social and economic consequences of the pandemic. This book is of great interest to academic philosophers, but also to researchers from the social sciences. "This collection contributes significantly to our understanding of the ethics of pandemics, drawing our attention to existing injustices and inequities that have been laid bare by the COVID crisis. Perhaps just as important is the way in which it seeks to connect theory to practice. In short, it provides a compelling identification of ethical issues and potential resolutions to injustices highlighted by the pandemic. It would be valuable for anyone working in areas of global justice, social justice, international ethics, immigration, or international political theory." Joshua J. Kassner (Professor, Division of Legal, Ethical and Historical Studies, University of Baltimore) "For those who wish to gain both a deep and wide understanding of the societal consequences of the Covid-19 global pandemic, especially with a focus on ethics and fairness from an expansive array of perspectives, a deep dive into this book will be time well spent. The book deserves to find its footing with as wide an audience as possible. It is both ambitious and timely." Michael J. Stevens (Brady Distinguished Presidential Professor, Weber State University).

What is money? Where does it come from? Who makes our money today? And how can we understand the current state of our economy as a crisis of money itself? In Making Money, Ole Bjerg turns these questions into a matter of philosophical rather than economic analysis. Using the thinking of Slavoj Žižek, while still engaging with mainstream economic literature, the book provides a genuinely philosophical theory of money. This theory is unfolded in reflections on the nature of monetary phenomenon such as financial markets, banks, debt, credit, derivatives, gold, risk, value, price, interests, and arbitrage. The analysis of money is put into an historical context by suggesting that the current financial turbulence and debt crisis are symptoms that we live in the age of post-credit capitalism. By bridging the fields of economics and contemporary philosophy, Bjerg's work engages in a productive form of intellectual arbitrage.