FREE Buddhist Economics as a Environmental Movement Essay (original) (raw)

-Buddhist Economics- som en grÖn rÖrelse.

At its most basic level economics is about the allocation of a society's scarce resources. Different theories on how this should be done and the manner in which they resources should be distributed exist. This particular question deals with SEA-centric economies which implicates deviation from a norm. What is the norm, or perhaps more importantly, is there a norm? It is fair to say that Western (capitalist) interpretations of economics are at present dominant. Therefore the starting point is in a quick run-through of its more significant characteristics. Orthodox economics deal with aspects of efficiency, self-regulation, rationality and the like. Inherent is a belief in a "perfect market- which is self-regulatory (with regard to, for example, price due to supply and demand) thanks to the "invisible hand- of the market itself. Furthermore, the Western notions of consumer freedom of action and consumer rationality require free and fair competition to fully function. That all individuals act in "enlightened self-interest- is also basic to orthodox appreciation. In comparing the way in which the above characteristics have manifested themselves in euro-centric economies to the way they have in SEA three major differences become apparent:.
1. the presence of an economically strong minority (the Chinese).
2. formation of conglomerates.
3. the strong presence of the state in economics.
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In Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia the Chinese play a large part in the economic life and they exert more economic power than any other ethnic group. Conglomerates such as the Salim Group or Siam Cement are typical SEA:n results of the 1960-70's boom. Such conglomerates are usually very diversified and tend to dominate especially banking, thereby reversing the traditional role of banks. A strong state presence in economics can be seen through cronyism. Companies like Pertamina Oil can perhaps be used as examples of both! Although further discussion of this would be interesting, what is of importance is the nature of SEA-centric economies in comparison to Western.

1. Environmental Justice and Canadian Minorities

In order to understand environmental justice issues, one has to consider the environmental justice movement from the larger dynamics of society that produces inequality and environmental degradation. ... Nonetheless, a factor that influences environmental justice issues a lot is the economics of justice. ... Economics of Justice is significant to Environmental Justice because most issues focus on the economics of the society as the determining factor to whether or not that society will be a victim of environmental injustice. ... Robert Bullard, who is known as the Father of Environmental Racis...

2. The Environmental Movement of Going Green

Origins of the Movement The definition of the Environmental Movement is a social/political one mainly concerned with conserving the environment as well as improving its state (1). ... The movement's response environmental racism is "environmental justice.... Throughout the years, the Environmental Movement gave birth to other movements, such as the Sustainability Movement and Environmental Justice. ... My point is, Earth day was one of the modern Environmental Movement's successes. ... Accusing the movement of fostering environmental racism is not uncommon. ...

3. Buddhist Economics

Our economy would highly benefit from Buddhist economics. ... In Buddhist economics, to work in a manner that becomes meaningless and boring is considered a criminal act. ... But if Buddhist economics were followed here, people would work more closely to their home and not need to have cars. ... From page 3 of Buddhist Economics the phrase "maximum of wellbeing with the minimum of consumption" is the opposite of how life is here in the West. ... In Buddhist economics, all aspects of life are regarded in a non-violent manner. ...

4. Buddhist Ethics

Religion and economics goes hand to hand in the eyes of Buddhism. The way Americans look at economics and the way Buddhist view economics are totally different. The view of Buddhist ethical life in business and economics is protected by Buddhist precepts, virtues, and views of karma, no-self, and impermanence. ... A clear mind is the key to Buddhist liberation and drink and drugs mess it up. ... The concept of Karma plays a very important role throughout Buddhist countries. ...

5. Funding Environmental Protection

Funding of environmental protection projects has always been a controversial subject. ... This is known as a sustainable economy and is described in Environmental Economics as an economy "in which investment in social capital allows the economy to grow so that people are at least as well off in the future as they are in the present, while sustaining the health of ecological systems."... This type of action weakens the status of environmental organizations and reduces support for future environmental projects. ... -Environmental Economics This allows us to factor in all possible values in a...

6. The EPA and the Office of Environmental Justice

Environmentalist Robert Bullard claims that "economics, political clout, and race play an important part in sorting out residential amenities . Environmental racism provide[s] benefits for whites while shifting costs to people of color- (60). ... The EPA's Office of Environmental Justice states that an "overwhelming number of minorities living in low-income communities believe they are disproportionately exposed to environmental harms and risks- (Environmental Protection Agency, 1). ... While both proponents and critics of environmental justice stipulate that environmentally hazardous ...

7. Environmental Economics

The use of environmental amenities today will impact on the use by future generations. ... Addressing the issues surrounding environmentalism take us to the heart of fundamental clash of world-views. ...

8. The Buddhist Experience

On Sunday April 12, 2015, the religious site of interest and visit was the Buddhist Pema Karpo Meditation Center, located in Memphis, TN. ... Inside the center, the Monk express that there are several rituals that are essential to a Buddhist. ... At the center, a Buddhist worshipping was shown to release any suffering in life including chanting, prayer and meditating. ... The Monk was a Tibetan Buddhist scholar, monastic, and meditation teacher. ... Before visiting the Pema Karpo center, I had preconceived notion about the worshipping of a Buddhist. ...

9. Thailand

The other reason behind my interest in Thai culture is even thru westernization they have been very successful in preserving the ancient ways of life which is demonstrated perfectly by: The site of the peaceful Buddhist monks walking their alms rounds in the morning, the beautiful traditional Thai dance that is prevalent through out the country, the amazing open markets where you can buy mouth watering Thai foods, and the amazing Buddhist architecture and art that is visible through out every inch of Thailand. Thailand, is probably the most Buddhist land on earth, out of the estimated 5...

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