Reiner Manstetten

Homo Oeconomicus and Homo Politicus, Political Economy, Constitutional Interest and Ecological Interest

Are modern democracies capable of preserving the constituent of liberty and the natural basis of human existence in the long-run? The achievement of these aims requires political actions toward fundamental changes in modern societies. The respective political actors have to develop long-term constitutional and ecological interests. Attempts of public choice to derive such interests on the basis of homo oeconomicus have led to theoretical difficulties. To contribute to a theoretical basis for constitutional and ecological interests, the authors introduce the notion of homo politicus. Homo oeconomicus and homo politicus are not mutually exclusive alternatives, but dimensions of human behavior. Copyright 1997 by WWZ and Helbing & Lichtenhahn Verlag AG

The dilemma of modern man and nature: an exploration of the Faustian imperative

Abstract This paper is concerned with (a) the difficulty of finding a consensus between economics and ecology, (b) new dimensions which should be taken up by economists and ecologists, and (c) a fresh view on modern economies by interpreting Goethes Faust. This is done via a hypothetical discussion between an archetypal economist and an ecologist. A commentator summarizes their viewpoints and explains several reasons for their different attitudes. Since the dialogue comes to a dead-end, the commentator asks a writer to mediate between the two parties. The writer interprets the development of humankind during the last two centuries as “the drama of modern man and nature.” He explains that the menacing state of this drama today is caused by the Faustian longing for eternity on earth.

Economic Behaviour and Responsibility: The Example of the Soda and Chlorine Industry

The Paper discusses the relationship between economic action and responsibility. Starting point of the argument is a comparison of positions by Socrates and representatives of modern economics towards the relationship between economy and the environment. As historical example the authors regard the development of the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), particularly with respect to their role for ozone layer depletion. The second part of the paper investigates the relationship between the occurring phenomenon of joint production and the problem of responsibility on a general scale. Special emphasis is given to ignorance concerning emerging joint products. Finally, general approaches for solutions to the problem of responsibility are examined.

Grenzen und Möglichkeiten einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung

Vor dem Hintergrund zunehmender Umweltzerstorung sind die Begriffe „Nachhaltige Entwicklung“ oder Nachhaltigkeit“ zu Schlusselworten in der Debatte um eine Neuorientierung unserer Wirtschaft geworden. Statt zu klaren Konzepten zu fuhren, hat die Auseinandersetzung uber diese Begriffe allerdings haufig eher inhaltliche Verwirrung hervorgerufen. Das folgende Zitat scheint uns den gegenwartigen Stand der Diskussion uber das Thema „Nachhaltigkeit“ zutreffend wiederzugeben „Denn was ist nachhaltige Entwicklung? Wer konnte das leicht und kurz erklaren? Wer kann es gedanklich begreifen, um es dann zu erlautern? Gleichwohl, was geht uns beim Reden leichter, vertrauter uber die Lippen als nachhaltige Entwicklung? Beim aussprechen des Begriffes verstehen wir, was er bedeutet, auch wenn andere ihn aussprechen. Was ist also nachhaltige Entwicklung? Wenn mich niemand danach fragt, weis ich es; will ich es einem Fragenden erklaren, weis ich es nicht“.

Economics, Environment and the Faustian Imperative

We want (a) to discuss new dimensions which should be taken up by economic theory and (b) to show how difficult it is to find a consensus and to develop a common approach to deal with economic and environmental problems. (c) Finally, we wish to take a fresh view on modern economies by interpreting Goethe’s Faust.