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A conceptual framework for ecological economics based on systemic principles of life

Author

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  • Fritjof Capra
  • Ove Daniel Jakobsen

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to refer to ecological economics using two meanings of the term “ecological”. In the strict scientific sense, ecological economics refers to an economic system that is consistent with and honors the basic principles of ecology, which, ultimately, are identical with what the authors call the systemic principles of life. In a broader sense ecological economics refers to economic theory and practice that see the economy as operating within, rather than dominating, the spheres of nature, society, and culture. Design/methodology/approach - The authors distill four fundamental principles for ecological economics based on systems theory of life and philosophy of organism. The four principles are; nested systems, self-generating networks, open systems, and cognitive interactions. The authors discuss how these principles can be applied to design an ecological economic system that is life-enhancing on individual, social and ecological levels. Findings - The authors argue that ecological economics should give priority to activities that maximize well-being of human and non-human beings, as well as entire ecosystems, and that its central purpose should be to serve the life processes in social and ecological systems. Originality/value - In this paper, the authors connect ecological economics to systems theory and come up with principles relevant for developing economic theory and practice within, rather than dominating, the spheres of nature, society, and culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Fritjof Capra & Ove Daniel Jakobsen, 2017. "A conceptual framework for ecological economics based on systemic principles of life," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 44(6), pages 831-844, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ijsepp:ijse-05-2016-0136
    DOI: 10.1108/IJSE-05-2016-0136
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Roberta De Angelis, 2022. "Circular economy business models as resilient complex adaptive systems," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2245-2255, July.
    2. Heidi Rapp Nilsen, 2024. "Code Red for Humanity: The Role of Business Ethics as We Transgress Planetary Thresholds," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(1), pages 1-7, January.
    3. Natalia ANTOCI & Alexei CHIRTOCA, 2022. "The Development Of Regional Eco-Economic Relations Under The Conditions Of Sustainable Development," European Journal of Accounting, Finance & Business, "Stefan cel Mare" University of Suceava, Romania - Faculty of Economics and Public Administration, West University of Timisoara, Romania - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 10(3), pages 17-24, October.
    4. repec:prg:jnlelg:v:preprint:id:503 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Elke Pirgmaier & Julia K. Steinberger, 2019. "Roots, Riots, and Radical Change—A Road Less Travelled for Ecological Economics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-18, April.
    6. Inese TRUSINA & Elita JERMOLAJEVA, 2022. "The Main Indicators Of The Economy Digital Transformation In The Context Of New Approach To Sustainability," EURINT, Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, vol. 9, pages 255-278, December.

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