Conclusions

Abstract

I started this book rather provocatively. My initial thesis was that, for the sake of sustainability, economists should improve their political influence. Economists can improve their political influence in many ways. One way is, for instance, to practise the political skills needed to become a successful political actor in favour of particular economic viewpoints. Another way is to ameliorate the dialogue between economists and citizens and professional politicians, or between economists and scientists from other disciplines. Both ways are valuable. In order to solve the problem of sustainability, we need, indeed, a combination of insights, taken from various natural and social sciences. Economic science cannot provide all necessary insights on its own. In order to ameliorate the political impact of economics, it is, indeed, helpful that economists practise some political skills. In the introductory chapter, I explained, however, that, in this book, I choose neither of these two ways. I am, instead, questioning whether current economic paradigms are well equipped to provide political actors with the economic knowledge they need to tackle the problem of sustainability.