The Elusive Essence of Value

by Peter Deckers

&

The Real Meaning of Value

by Peter Deckers

 

References

Recommended Readings on Human Values and Economics:

1. “Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels: How Human Values Evolve” by Ian Morris
   • This book explores how human values have evolved with different modes of production, from foraging to farming to fossil fuels. It provides a comprehensive analysis rooted in history, anthropology, and social science.
2. “The Evolution of Societal Values: A Historical Perspective of the Role of Sustainability in the Practice of Economics” by Madhavi Venkatesan
   • This chapter discusses the evolution of economic thought and its cultural influences, providing insights into how societal values have shaped economic systems.
3. “The Concept of Value Further Considered” by John Bates Clark
   • This work delves into various theories of value, discussing the differences between absolute and relative value concepts and their implications in economic analysis.
4. “The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy” by Mariana Mazzucato
   • This book challenges the common perceptions of value in economics and highlights the importance of understanding what truly contributes to the economy.
5. “Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist” by Kate Raworth
   • Raworth redefines economic thinking to incorporate sustainability and the well-being of humanity, emphasizing the importance of balancing resource use with ecological boundaries.
6. “Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered” by E.F. Schumacher
   • This classic work argues for the importance of valuing human well-being and sustainable development over sheer economic growth.

 

Further Reading:

Recommended Readings on Value Systems and Economic Theory:

1. “The Evolution of Value Systems: A Review Essay on Ian Morris’s Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels” by Alberto Bisin
   • This review essay provides a detailed analysis of Ian Morris’s book, discussing the cultural adaptations of value systems to different modes of production.
2. “Value (economics)” – Wikipedia
   • This Wikipedia article offers an overview of different theories of value in economics, including the labor theory of value, marginal theory of value, and Sraffian theory of value.
3. “Chapter 6: Theories of Value” in “Human Society and the Global Economy” by Kit Sims Taylor
   • This chapter explores various theories of value, including classical, neoclassical, and post-Keynesian perspectives, and their implications for wealth distribution and economic order.
4. “What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets” by Michael Sandel
   • Sandel explores the ethical implications of market-driven societies and questions what should and shouldn’t be for sale.
5. “The Price of Inequality: How Today’s Divided Society Endangers Our Future” by Joseph E. Stiglitz
   • This book addresses the growing income inequality and its impact on economic stability and social cohesion.
6. “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate” by Naomi Klein
   • Klein discusses how the climate crisis is intertwined with our current economic system and the need for fundamental changes to address environmental challenges.

 

Critical Texts on Value and the Environment:

1. “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell

• Russell argues that the value of philosophy lies in its ability to expand our understanding and challenge our preconceived notions.

2. “Value: Criticism, Canons, and Evaluation” by Patricia Waugh

• This chapter delves into the philosophical debates surrounding aesthetic value and the criteria for evaluating literary texts.

3. “The Concept of Value” by John Bates Clark

• Clark’s work explores various theories of value in economics, discussing the differences between absolute and relative value concepts.

4. “The Mirror of Production” by Jean Baudrillard

• Baudrillard offers a critical analysis of Marxist theory, focusing on the concepts of use value and exchange value, and argues that Marx’s critique of political economy was incomplete.

5. “Mythologies” by Roland Barthes, trans. Annette Lavers, New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1972

• Barthes examines the tendency of contemporary social value systems to create modern myths, updating Ferdinand de Saussure’s system of sign analysis by adding a second level where signs are elevated to the level of myth.

 

Recommended reading of value systems, economic theories, and environmental issues:

1. “Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels: How Human Values Evolve” by Ian Morris
   • This book explores how human values have evolved with different modes of production, from foraging to farming to fossil fuels. It provides a comprehensive analysis rooted in history, anthropology, and social science.
2. “The Evolution of Societal Values: A Historical Perspective of the Role of Sustainability in the Practice of Economics” by Madhavi Venkatesan
   • This chapter discusses the evolution of economic thought and its cultural influences, providing insights into how societal values have shaped economic systems.
3. “The Evolution of Value Systems: A Review Essay on Ian Morris’s Foragers, Farmers, and Fossil Fuels” by Alberto Bisin
   • This review essay provides a detailed analysis of Ian Morris’s book, discussing the cultural adaptations of value systems to different modes of production.
4. “Value (economics)” – Wikipedia
   • This Wikipedia article offers an overview of different theories of value in economics, including the labor theory of value, marginal theory of value, and Sraffian theory of value.
5. “Chapter 6: Theories of Value” in “Human Society and the Global Economy” by Kit Sims Taylor
   • This chapter explores various theories of value, including classical, neoclassical, and post-Keynesian perspectives, and their implications for wealth distribution and economic order.

 

Additional Texts on Value and Environment:

1. “The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy” by Mariana Mazzucato
   • This book challenges the common perceptions of value in economics and highlights the importance of understanding what truly contributes to the economy.
2. “Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist” by Kate Raworth
   • Raworth redefines economic thinking to incorporate sustainability and the well-being of humanity, emphasizing the importance of balancing resource use with ecological boundaries.
3. “Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered” by E.F. Schumacher
   • This classic work argues for the importance of valuing human well-being and sustainable development over sheer economic growth.
4. “What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets” by Michael Sandel
   • Sandel explores the ethical implications of market-driven societies and questions what should and shouldn’t be for sale.
5. “The Price of Inequality: How Today’s Divided Society Endangers Our Future” by Joseph E. Stiglitz
   • This book addresses the growing income inequality and its impact on economic stability and social cohesion.
6. “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate” by Naomi Klein
   • Klein discusses how the climate crisis is intertwined with our current economic system and the need for fundamental changes to address environmental challenges.

 

Useful Websites on Value:

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) – Recommended Reads for Economy:

• This reading list offers recommendations from LSE researchers on key books for understanding the economy today. You can find it here.

Oxford Academic – Handbook of Value: Perspectives from Economics, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology:

• This book provides an interdisciplinary dialogue on value, addressing conceptual issues and the cognitive mechanisms underlying value computation. You can access it here.

University of Cambridge – Super-Curricular Suggestions:

• This resource offers reading lists and suggestions for exploring subjects beyond the classroom, including economics and related fields. You can explore it here.

“The Mirror of Production” by Jean Baudrillard

• Baudrillard offers a critical analysis of Marxist theory, focusing on the concepts of use value and exchange value, and argues that Marx’s critique of political economy was incomplete. Read the full text here

“Mythologies” by Roland Barthes, trans. Annette Lavers, New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1972

• Barthes examines the tendency of contemporary social value systems to create modern myths, updating Ferdinand de Saussure’s system of sign analysis by adding a second level where signs are elevated to the level of myth. Read the full text here

 

Useful Websites on the Environment:

1. Treehugger:
   • This website stays true to its “sustainability for all” slogan. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, you’ll find a place at Treehugger. The site helps you make environmentally conscious choices with advice, information, and inspiration. You can visit it here.
2. Oceana:
   • Oceana is dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans. It works to restore the oceans and inform the public along the way. You can visit its website here.
3. WWF (World Wildlife Foundation):
   • The WWF website covers various topics, including food, climate, freshwater, wildlife, forests, and oceans. You can read the latest news stories and find audiovisual media to help bring you up to speed or learn something new every day. Visit it here.
4. NASA Global Climate Change:
   • This website provides information on climate change and its impact on the environment. You can explore it here.
5. David Suzuki Foundation:
   • The David Suzuki Foundation works to protect the environment and promote sustainability. You can visit its website here.

 

Key findings from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6):

• Human Influence: The report confirms that human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, are the main driver of climate change. This has led to unprecedented changes in the Earth’s climate system.
• Climate Change Impacts: Climate change is already affecting every inhabited region on Earth. This includes more frequent and severe heatwaves, heavy rainfall, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
• Future Projections: If current trends continue, the impacts of climate change will become more severe. This includes rising sea levels, more intense storms, and significant disruptions to ecosystems and human societies.
• Mitigation and Adaptation: The report emphasises the urgent need for strong, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming. It also highlights the importance of adaptation measures to manage the risks associated with climate change.
• Global Cooperation: Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and action. The report calls for international collaboration to implement effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

 

Resource list and fact check in collaboration with Microsoft Copilot