The study of economic theory has undergone major shifts during the last century. Current theories are complex and range from ways of using monetary policies to questions of the welfare of society in terms of government interventions. Applying Buddhist philosophical concepts to those of Economists adds a further layer of difficulty to any discourse. At one level, the question is whether dhamma/dharma, in the sense of rules and regulations for society, has a place in the study of economics. Such inquiry leads to a further exploration of how to determine the contemporary definition for such dhamma/dharma. One of the major concerns for Buddhists will be the question of the role of compassion and concern toward others as a viable part of economic strategy. In this respect, the suggestions of Charles Peirce that logicality presupposes the ethics of self-sacrifice can help to frame the inquiry.
