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Document Details :

Title: Relational Normative Economics
Subtitle: An African Approach to Justice
Author(s): METZ, Thaddeus
Journal: Ethical Perspectives
Volume: 27    Issue: 1   Date: 2020   
Pages: 35-68
DOI: 10.2143/EP.27.1.3288828

Abstract :
Recent work by comparative philosophers, global ethicists, and cross-cultural value theorists indicates that, unlike most Western thinkers, those in many other parts of the globe, such as indigenous Africa, East Asia, and South America, tend to prize relationality. These relational values include enjoying a sense of togetherness, participating cooperatively, creating something new together, engaging in mutual aid, and being compassionate. Global economic practices and internationally influential theories pertaining to justice, development, and normative economics over the past 50 years have been principally informed by characteristically Western and individualist values such as utility, autonomy, and capability. In this article I consider what economic appropriation, production, distribution, and consumption would look like if they were more influenced by relational values typical of non-Western worldviews, and especially the sub-Saharan ethic of ubuntu.

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