Sustainable Economy

Abstract

The previous chapters discussed human value orientations according to the integral worldview. As a means to an end, the economic system provides the capabilities for the realization of these human values. Values thus are coupled to capabilities, that is, a person’s physical and/or mental capabilities to do or be something. For example, if a lot of value is awarded to ‘mobility’, the required ‘capability’ would be a vehicle or aircraft. Capabilities, therefore, are the physical foundation for the corresponding value orientations. They allow people to develop their own value orientations in accordance with their personal ‘life plan’. Examples of such capabilities are skills, material possessions, money, knowledge and insight. Capabilities that are deemed to hold value and are actually being realized are called ‘functions’ that ultimately enable people to function. Amartya Sen,¹ the author of the ‘capability approach’, indicated however that ‘capabilities’ are far more important for the experienced ‘quality of life’ than the functions that are actually being realized. Having the ability to do something is more important than actually doing it.