Economics as priesthood – a religion based on assumptions

Some of the ridiculous assumptions on which much of mainstream economics is constructed are explored in this chapter of Credo, by Brian Davey – for example the methodology that stresses individual decision-making, the assumption that decision-makers have the information that they need, the assumption of honesty, the default assumption of competition.

Feasta week in Kerry

Our annual week-long workshop at Rossbeigh in Kerry took place at the end of June 2017. We had a thought-provoking and stimulating week.

Brexit and complexity

Brian Davey draws on the work of Joseph Tainter and cybernetics research to argue that the least risky approach to Brexit is to follow Yanis Varoufakis' advice and go for an interim, off the peg solution.

The Joke

"How do we form a whole social system – its economy settling nicely inside its ecology? We don’t. Everyone does. Where economy meets ecology, is precisely where a tool meets its materials – that is by the fingertips and grasp of one pair of hands – that is - one’s own intelligent hands." By Patrick Noble.

Limits to economic growth?

In this presentation given at the University of Nottingham on April 4, Brian Davey investigates the historical roots of the growth-based economy. He critiques the assumption that renewable energy could take over from fossil fuels while maintaining economic growth, and goes on to discuss some ways forward.

Limits to Incentives

Means of exchange are never neutral as orthodox economists assume. Intentional Currencies respond by being explicit about the values they seek to promote and the outcomes they seek to achieve. An analysis of the use of incentives in currency design helps to guide that design. It also indicates strategies to utilise incentives to motivate intentional communities, NGOs and other volunteer-based organisations. By Graham Barnes.