Sustainable Development, Wellbeing and Material Consumption: A Stoic Perspective

• DOI: 10.3390/su10020474
• Publication Date: 2018-02-12T15:50:38Z
• Authors: Kai Whiting; Leonidas Konstant...; Angeles Carrasco; Luis Carmona
• Keywords: Flourishing; Prudence; Eudaimonia; Value (mathematics); Courage; Consumption

Since the introduction of neoclassical economic theory, material wealth and accumulation have been linked to hedonic wellbeing. In turn, Utilitarian notions generated belief that infinite growth is not only good but necessary for society prosper. Unsurprisingly, this system has supported considerable depletion natural resources always led social equitability or environmental justice, two pillars sustainable development. Given these limitations, paper looks into eudaimonic wellbeing, as defined by Stoicism. The latter originating in Classical Greece Ancient Rome, used throughout centuries discuss support flourishing individuals, rarely applied collective Consequently, we explore whether, what extent, virtue-based philosophy can answer questions regarding value role acquisition societal development, directed policy. We propose idea Stoic emphasis on prudence, self-control, courage means achieve “happiness”, intrinsically wellbeing its principles be demonstrate does require limitless flourish.