In general reference to Steven Bissell who writes:
>"economic well being of people" an ethical issue? I'm not
>sure, but I know it is *not* an issue of environmental ethics. One of the
>problems of environmental ethics is that it can accept less than optimal
>conditions for individuals in exchange for ecosystematic "well being." And,
>I think "economic well being" is very relative. I'm making a lot of money
>these days, but in so far as "well being," I've had better days with less
>money. So, no, I don't buy that as an ethical issue, speaking
>environmentally, of global warming. Any other ideas?
>Steven
Perhaps 'assets' are a barrier [or banner] to true happiness after all. I
have heard about complaints from people with lots of 'assets' and no 'zing'.
Participation in a libidinous economy is a barrier to mental health [not a
banner to wave about], and to sustainability, therefore; an appropriate
environmental ethos [ethical habit] is predicated on restraining lust for
consuming artifacts....luxury consumption, etc.
Economics is a critical component in an appropriate environmental ethics.
The libidinous nature of our current mass consumer ideology is predicated on
'cultured need' fostered by propaganda displayed in mass media outlets.
[what post capitalists term 'earned needs' because you deserve it, or
'non-essential' needs because you can afford them]. So what if you are
making lots of money, the question is does this make you feel secure? Would
you like to spend some money on non-essential needs like a Palm Pilot, or a
new SUV, or a Sony Magalog. As far as the mass consumer ideology is
concerned the only credit in this world is 'desire' and without it there is
no 'economic growth' and no 'growth in consumption.' Where there is no
growth in consumption there may also be no overexploitation, so economics is
one of the three elments driving sustainability. Sustainability is an
environmental and ethical topic, but more importantly the topic relates to
communal mental health: is consumption of non-essential needs [Sony phrase]
good for mental health. Apparently not according to Theodore Roszack.
john foster
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