Humanity in Economics

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Economic theories as foundation for prosperity and progress

2.1 Emergence of the economic theory and the inheritance of its initial sin

2.2 Advancement of the human being to the central figure in the economy

2.3 Containment of devastating character traits in the economic domain

2.4 Correlation between the prevailing economic theory and (in)equality

3 Inequality levels in regions with diverse economic systems

3.1 Japan: Transition from planned development to free market economy

3.2 Germany: Social market order as consequence of ordoliberal thinking

3.3 USA: Meritocracy formed by an almost pure capitalist economic system

3.4 Failure of the (welfare) state and its potential harmful consequences

4 The most appealing philosophies of justice and (in)equality

4.1 Political equality – Justice of equal rights and political participation

4.2 Economic equality – Justice of the distribution of income and wealth

4.3 Social equality – Justice of opportunities and settings for a decent life

4.4 Equality matrix to achieve fairness as overarching societal objective

5 Compilation of a comprehensive tool kit to achieve fairness

5.1 Regulative: The economic alignment towards a long-term perspective

5.2 Corrective: The creation of a condition with fairly-distributed resources

5.3 Prevalent: The achievement of equality of opportunity in the society

5.4 Predictive: The state of inequality will not be an eternal circumstance

6 Human-centred business and market economy framework

6.1 Columns of an economic system that ensures sustainable well-being

6.2 Micro-level: Regulated scope of business behavior with a liberal quality

6.3 Macro-level: Intervention instruments for overall balance and stability

6.4 Theory of reasonable Progress as response to neoliberalism’s failure

7 European integration within a clear determined framework

7.1 Strong civil society as a precondition for further integration progress

7.2 Critical perspective on the integration process and remedy measures

7.3 Decision between two different categories of European collaboration

7.4 Vision of a continent that creates confidence by retrieving humanity

8 Conclusions

Objectives and Topics

This work explores the root causes of social inequality as a driver for economic disparity and proposes a normative framework, "Theory of reasonable Progress," to re-center human values in economic systems. It examines the interplay between political, social, and economic spheres, advocating for a balance between individual liberty and social justice through regulated, human-centric market structures.

• Analysis of inequality origins and levels across Japan, Germany, and the USA.
• Development of an "Equality Matrix" to achieve societal fairness.
• Creation of a comprehensive tool kit for economic intervention and regulation.
• Application of the proposed framework to the future of European integration.
• Integration of moral philosophy and economic theory to address the failure of neoliberalism.

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Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides the foundation for the study by discussing the necessity of integrating liberal human values into economic frameworks to counteract rising inequality.

2 Economic theories as foundation for prosperity and progress: Traces the historical development of economic thought, comparing Classical and Keynesian approaches, and introduces Ordoliberalism as a potential remedy for social disparity.

3 Inequality levels in regions with diverse economic systems: Examines and compares the socioeconomic landscapes, welfare approaches, and inequality indicators of Japan, Germany, and the USA.

4 The most appealing philosophies of justice and (in)equality: Discusses various philosophical justice concepts and introduces the "Equality Matrix" as a practical method to measure and achieve societal fairness.

5 Compilation of a comprehensive tool kit to achieve fairness: Outlines specific regulatory, corrective, and predictive policy instruments designed to reduce systemic inequalities and improve social responsibility.

6 Human-centred business and market economy framework: Synthesizes previous findings into a holistic framework that promotes sustainable well-being through micro-level business regulation and macro-level economic stability.

7 European integration within a clear determined framework: Applies the developed prosperity framework to the European context, proposing a two-tier model to resolve the integration crisis and restore citizen confidence.

8 Conclusions: Reaffirms the necessity of boundaries in a liberal economic system to ensure that human-centric values drive economic progress.

Keywords

Inequality, Social Justice, Liberalism, Ordoliberalism, Equality of Opportunity, Fairness, Economic Prosperity, Human-centred Economy, Welfare State, Corporate Social Responsibility, European Integration, Market Regulation, Wealth Distribution, Meritocracy, Civil Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The work focuses on the systemic issue of rising social and economic inequality, proposing that economic systems must be redesigned to prioritize human well-being and societal fairness over unrestricted market expansion.

What are the central themes discussed?

The themes include the history of economic theories, the impact of neoliberalism on social cohesion, the role of government in regulating markets, and the necessity of establishing equality of opportunity.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to determine which political, economic, and social framework can balance individual liberty, social justice, and economic efficiency to contain destructive human behavior caused by inequality.

Which scientific methodology is utilized?

The paper utilizes a qualitative comparative analysis of historical economic theories, current inequality indicators in three major regions, and the synthesis of established philosophical frameworks into a new, actionable model.

What is covered in the main body of the work?

The body covers a critical review of economic theories (Keynesianism, Ordoliberalism), regional case studies (Japan, Germany, USA), the development of an "Equality Matrix," and proposed instruments for sustainable economic management.

What characterizes this research?

The research is characterized by its normative approach, aiming to provide a practical, human-centered blueprint for economic policy that avoids the extremes of both pure socialism and unbridled neoliberalism.

How does the author view the role of the state?

The author argues that the state must act as a supervisor and creator of a fair legal framework—ensuring competition and social stability—rather than directly controlling all economic activities.

What specific proposal is made for European integration?

The author proposes a two-tier system consisting of a "European Federation" for closer integration and a "European Community" as a sophisticated free trade zone, allowing member states to choose their desired level of collaboration.