Sandel proposes that instead of rewarding production per se, economies should put higher value on activities that actually improve societies (e.g. care work) while activities that are less valuable for society should be taxed more highly, e.g. speculation and financial transactions.
I enjoyed reading Michael Sandel's "The Tyranny of Merit". Sandel argues that meritocracy isn't actually just (e.g. talents are "unearned") and that it makes those less successful feel unappreciated, one of the factors he sees behind the rise of populism.
ooh, just added the new book "Organizing for Change" by @silkeroth.bsky.socialbristoluniversitypress.co.uk/organizing-f...
Organising for Change - Social Change Makers and Social Change Organisations; Based on decades of research, this book explores global social change processes through the concepts of social change orga...
Very much enjoyed this flash fiction story "Against the Fire" by @aknighton.bsky.social@shoreinf.bsky.social@silkeroth.bsky.socialwww.shorelineofinfinity.com/fragments-ag...
Just read this lovely little book about Hannah Arendt's idea that friendship is an important dimension for the political sphere because it can foster open discussion of opposing opinions and help to bridge them. So much needed in an increasingly polarised world...
Advert for post-doc "Governing the ‘Just transition’: Eco-Social Politics and Policies in the EU” @ University of Milan with Matteo Jessoula & Paolo Graziano from Uni Padua. Application deadline: 5 Jan 2024 For details see: www.unimi.it/en/node/48259.
Lots of fascinating discussions for sure, probably more questions than answers, especially around how to transition to postgrowth, feasibility of policies like UBI, UBS, working time reduction, etc. Looking forward to the essays and can post interesting ideas from them then :-)
Back in Leeds after a train trip to Vienna and Lausanne for work. First time I used an Interrail ticket which worked smoothly. Luckily I just about missed rail strikes in Germany, the UK, and for the Eurostar though 😅
Looking forward to teaching a Masters course on postgrowth and social-ecological policy this week as guest professor at the University of Vienna 😊🐌
Just finished reading Giorgos Kallis' book "Limits: Why Malthus Was Wrong and Why Environmentalists Should Care". Really liked it. It convincingly argues that limits are not "external", instead we humans need to self-limit our intentions. Successfully doing so demonstrates autonomy and freedom.