Overview

Suppose There Is Purpose is a thoughtful and provocative study calling for a major rethinking of the human situation. Drawing on a lifetime of professional and academic experience in microeconomic policy, development and management, John Rogers argues that all economic decisions have moral dimensions and thus need an explicit ethical framework subject to revision and critique. After reviewing a range of bases from which moral evaluations could be made, he settles for a substantially modified version of benefit: cost analysis as the most fruitful approach. In addressing our responsibility not only for the present but to future generations, Rogers advocates an ethical and teleological humanism. Progress is therefore defined not only by the quality and quantity of human intelligence but also by improvements in human caring, competence and creativity at all levels from individuals and their families to social and economic organisations, governments, and the global community.

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
2. A PURPOSEFUL UNIVERSE
3. THE HUMAN UNIVERSAL SUB-PURPOSE
4. MAKING MORAL JUDGMENTS
5. INDIVIDUAL VALUES AND BEHAVIOUR
6. ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR
7. SOCIETAL ISSUE: NATIONAL
8. SOCIETAL ISSUES: INTERNATIONAL
9. THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
10. CONCLUDING REMARKS
11. BIBLIOGRAPHY
12. APPENDIX - Governing for the long run: Option or Dream?

Reviews

That economics can be a good servant but a bad master is an old saw but no less true for that. Suppose There Is Purpose calls for a major review of the place and purpose of economics in the human situation. Drawing on a lifetime of professional and academic experience in microeconomic policy, development and management, John Rogers argues that all economic decisions have moral dimensions and thus need an explicit ethical framework subject to revision and critique. After reviewing a range of bases from which moral evaluations could be made, he settles for a substantially modified version of benefit:cost analysis as the most fruitful approach.

In addressing our responsibility not only for the present but to future generations, Rogers advocates an ethical and teleological humanism. Progress is therefore defined not only by the quality and quantity of human intelligence but also by improvements in human caring, competence and creativity at all levels from individuals and their families to social and economic organisations, governments, and the global community.

This book - and he - deserve a much wider readership than, alas, they are likely to get. That I may dissent on some aspects or issues is neither here nor there. This is a thoughtful and provocative book and Post Pressed is proud to been associated in its production. I commend it to you.

John Knight
Editor, Post Pressed