Author Affiliations: Paul E. Shaffer Professor of Accounting Emeritus Purdue University Fort Wayne
關鍵詞
Buddhist economic model; production for profit; production for enlightenment; market economy
摘要
This paper first identifies turbulent and imminent economic, social, and ecological problems threatening our modern economy and society. It is argued that many of these problems are natural or predictable consequences of the production-for-profit economic model feverishly advocated by mainstream economists and prevalently adopted by many policy makers in every corner of the world. The paper then examines the fallacy and deficiency of the production-for-profit economic model and its underlying philosophical tenets and premises. It shows that Buddhism, with its thorough examination of human predicaments and its pragmatic middle-way approach to the solution of these dilemmas, can be the philosophical basis for a viable alternative economic model which has not only the remedies for the problems created by the mainstream economic theories, but also the promise of a comprehensive solution to the human struggle for survival and prosperity. To help to formulate a new economic model, specific examples of how Buddhist principles can be applied to economic problems are elaborated and illustrated. The paper concludes with an urgent plea for the whole world to reconsider the efficacy of our current approach to economic well-being and to seriously consider the merits of a wisdom-based economic model as informed by Buddhism.
目次
I. Problems of Our Modern World 32 II. Fallacy and Deficiency of Production-for-Profit Economic Model 34 II.1 Unrealistic Assumptions 35 II.2 Deficiencies of the Model 37 II.3 The Need for an Alternative Approach 44 III. Buddhist Approach to Economics 47 III.1 Buddhist Premises 47 III.2 Buddhist Responses to Economic Questions 49 IV. Implementing Buddhist Economics 59 IV.1 The Need for a Revolution in Education 60 IV.2 Ethical Consumption 61 IV.3 Responsible Use of Labor and Natural Resources 63 IV.4 Equitable and Productive Ownership of Assets 66 IV.5 A Pragmatic Middle Way Approach 70 V. Conclusion 73
