Rediscovering the Steady State of Classical Economics: Discussion on the Origin of the Economic Theory of Sustainability

Authors

  • Chris Whynacht

Keywords:

Economic Theory

Abstract

Sustainability is not a new concept; rather it originated with the earliest thinkers in the philosophy of economics.  Adam Smith and others of his generation wrote about stationary economies and uneconomic growth centuries before modern thinkers rediscovered these issues.  This discussion paper explores how neo-classical economics has strayed from the core beliefs of early authors and negligently built on their legacy by espousing ideals of uneconomic growth.  If society does require a sustainable human enterprise how can researchers and policy maker’s best describe this in language that is acceptable to society at large.

Author Biography

Chris Whynacht

Chris Whynacht is a special status graduate student in the School of Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University.  Chris completed a BA in Political Science in 1996 at Dalhousie and has since worked in business development and general management consulting.  Chris’s practice is focused on sustainable community based economic development and he does not believe that growth always equals prosperity.  Though focused on local communities, Chris has served on Team Canada Trade Missions to the US.  He is an avid sailor, outdoor enthusiast and Chairperson of the Dalhousie Association of Graduate Students.

References

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Published

2011-03-19

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Vol. 7 No. 2 (2011)

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Articles

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