In current economics, the conception of the human being as a homo economicus is considered to be outdated or at least severely limited, under the influence of new insights in behavioral economics. However, the social climate is still strongly influenced by this antiquated anthropological model.
ILSE has been asked by the Goldschmeding Foundation to formulate an agenda for renewing anthropology, focusing specifically on the Christian virtues of ‘faith’, hope’, and ‘love’. The working hypothesis is that these virtues are inherent to being human and function as a universal anthropological predisposition, with a pre-eminence of our capacity to love (homo amans). To live out these predispositions in freedom makes for a dignified life. The research aims to contribute to a profound renewal of work, economics and sustainable development.
These three notions of being human will be explored in dialogue with the disciplines of philosophy, theology, psychology, economy and the natural sciences. The research is initial and explorative, intended to lay the groundwork for a larger, international research project stretching over a longer period of time. In this first phase, the project aims to sharpen the research questions and to refine a method for an interdisciplinary dialogue.
The project will be funded by the Goldschmeding Foundation and has a duration of 16 months, from 1 June 2018 until 31 September 2019. See here for more information about this project and have a look at this link for a Dutch post about this project at the website of the Goldschmeding Foundation.
