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Business & Economics Theory

Knowledge and Economic Conduct

The Social Foundations of the Modern Economy

by (author) Nico Stehr

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Jul 2002
Category
Theory, Economic Conditions, General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802078865
    Publish Date
    Jul 2002
    List Price
    $53.00
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802009050
    Publish Date
    Jul 2002
    List Price
    $94.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442676527
    Publish Date
    Jun 2002
    List Price
    $105.00

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Description

Examining the foundations of the modern capitalist economy from a broad social scientific perspective, this challenging work draws on economics, sociology, political science and geography. The author posits that changing economic circumstances - namely, an end to the primacy of labour and property as determinants of prosperity - have created a need for a new theoretical platform: one that transcends standard economic discourse.

In Nico Stehr's view, knowledge is now the most significant source of economic growth - the 'prime productive factor'. This shift has ambiguous ramifications: Will it bring a more sustainable, less ecologically disruptive form of production, or escalating levels of unemployment? Questions of personal engagement are raised: What to be apprehensive about? Where are the possibilities for action in a context where such possibilities are being limited?

This book will appeal to students and social scientists with an interest in technology, globalization and the changing economy. It is accessibly written and relevant to researchers and policy makers within the public and private sectors as well as an academic readership.

About the author

Nico Stehr is Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Alberta. During the 2000/2001 academic year, he held fellowships at the Hanse Centre for Advanced Studies and the Centre for Advanced Cultural Studies, in Germany.

Nico Stehr's profile page