A Philosopher's Take on Economics: 2nd Edition - Paperback

by John Tippett (Author)

Science explains and understands the world of matter, philosophy explains and understands the world of spirit. Economics is the meeting place of these two worlds. Whilst the immediate concern of economics is policy in the "world of matter", the key participant in economic life is the human being, whose ultimate purpose of participation is to do with the "world of spirit". Hence economics meets these two realms, stands at their interface. Its task is to ensure the rule of justice. This book is aimed at presenting a common-sense, first-principles, philosophical perspective on a vital subject that seems to have lost its way. There is such a thing as justice, there is such a thing as truth; and these two need not be lost forever. Life is meant for the well-being of all who are born onto this earth. Everyone wants to be happy, everyone seeks fulfilment in life, everyone prefers abundance. This is not the common state in the world today, however, and much is due to the human failing of greed. This book suggests that solutions can be found by returning to first principles: - Economics is the knowledge to support and encourage prosperity whilst managing human greed. - Economics is to provide for the practical possibility of every individual fully developing his or her potential as an intelligent, creative, happy being. - Economics is the institution and protection of the reign of economic freedom.

Author Biography

John Tippett has lectured in economics for 30 years, in Australia and internationally, in both the university environment and the public arena. His formal training as an economist began at the University of Melbourne and continued at Monash University. An upbringing on a family farm in north-western Victoria and early studies in agricultural science had a large influence on forming in him values of self-reliance, responsibility and practicality, all of which inter-penetrate his thought and writings on economics; and his 30 years of active membership of the School of Philosophy in Melbourne