Chang, Otto See all items with this value

2004

5

141-169

1530-4108 See all items with this value

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 a majority of 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 the 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. Specific examples of how Buddhist principles can be applied to form such a new economic model 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 Buddhism-based economic model.