Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Common Sense | 
| Author: John Ikerd
Publisher: Kumarian Press
Category: Book
List Price: $23.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 356338
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 232
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.7
ISBN: 1565492064
Dewey Decimal Number: 330.122
EAN: 9781565492066
ASIN: 1565492064
Publication Date: August 17, 2005
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Product Description
* Addresses the philosophical and scientific roots of sustainability
* Examines neglected ethical and moral aspects of capitalist economic theory
* Advocates a new sustainable paradigm for all living organizations, businesses, economics, and societies
Over the past half-century, capitalist economics has deviated from its original social purpose into an amoral quest for economic growth at any cost. A relentless pursuit of profits and the "bottom line" poses a constant threat to the earth and the life upon it. Ikerd, who spent the first half of his thirty-year academic career as a traditional free-market, neoclassical economist, came to see the inherently extractive and exploitative nature of his own field and began to develop an alternative vision for capitalism, which he lays out in this book.
In order to foster a new economics of sustainability, social and ethical values must be reintegrated into capitalist economics, thus restoring a sense of balance into the economic system that ensures that communities the world over will thrive. Rather than calling for the overthrow of capitalism, Ikerd suggests how capitalism can become a vehicle for these ends.
Both a penetrating critique of capitalism and an exploration of its vast and untapped potential for maximizing human welfare, Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Common Sense is written for those concerned with the future of our planet and the continued viability of global capitalism.
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| Customer Reviews:
Highly Recommended Reading November 5, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am relatively new to this subject and my background to economics is slim to none. John Ikerd presents a coherent and very common sense perspective on sustainable economics. I would highly recommend this book to folks who are interested in this subject. I would also warmly encourage folks to purchase this book new so as to support the author.
He came to our small private college to lecture to our fledgling environmental group and we had a great time and learned much.
Again, I would highly recommend this work as well as his other book entitled "A Return To Common Sense" of which I am still in the middle of reading.
Don't pass this book up! It will enrich your life!
Traces the modern change of capitalism from a political system driven by social purpose to one searching for economic growth December 3, 2005
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
John Ikerd's Sustainable Captialism: A Matter Of Common Sense traces the modern change of capitalism from a political system driven by social purpose to one searching for economic growth at all costs. The sustainability of the planet is at risk under this new capitalism, and Ikerd provides a critique of this new order and a framework for restoring balance into world economic system, making capitalism not the enemy of these goals, but a means to an end.
Sustainable Capitalism: A Matter of Common Sense November 30, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I'm one of those people that Ikerd mentions in his book who always thought economics and markets were topics that were too complicated to deal with. I took an accounting class and an ag. economics class in college (because I had to), then I basically avoided the subject.
Reading "Sustainable Capitalism" changed my thinking. I realized that not only could I understand the economic theories and systems Ikerd talks about, but I could also see why it was important to understand them, and that it is possible to change the current system. It's a very hopeful message!
Ikerd is very good at explaining the current economic system and what it could be. His common sense approach to creating a sustainable economic system makes it seem doable, even if it will involve a lot of effort. I feel like I have a framework to work from now. I'd like to see sustainable capitalism taught at all colleges and universities -- even high schools. I'm a convert -- I went from avoiding economics to actually being excited about what the future could hold.
A must read for those concerned about the common good. October 24, 2005
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
John Ikerd, author of Sustainable Capitalism: a Matter of Common Sense, trains his unique insight on a key problem of our time--that is, " ... maximum current growth, with little regard for future ecological or social sustainability." Ikerd's understanding of history and psychology, in particular, underscore his vision for a moral economic system. He rightly criticizes the topsy-turvy capitalistic system neoclassical economics has spawned--a dysfunctional system that exploits and extracts in the name of economic development. In short, Ikerd's book is a must read for all those who believe in a government empowered by the governed that works to restore competition and essential market controls, who understand that the "mechanistic worldview" and "reductionist philosophy" embraced by neoclassical economists are as dead as dinosaurs, and who are willing to make "conscious, purposeful decisions to care for each other and care for the earth as they care for themselves."
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