{"product_id":"ecological-policy-handbook-vol-iii-alessandro-pirrone-9798630488428","title":"Ecological Policy Handbook Vol. III: Attractive solutions","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEconomics is fundamentally about meeting human needs\u003c\/b\u003e through the exchange of goods and services. Long before economists, theories, markets, or corporations existed, people exchanged tools, materials, and skills because doing so benefited both sides. These exchanges required no advertising, stock markets, or global institutions-and they emerged \u003cb\u003eeven before agriculture itself\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eModern economic thought, however, rests largely on \u003cb\u003eneoclassical theory\u003c\/b\u003e, which assumes that individuals are endlessly acquisitive and motivated primarily by \u003cb\u003eself-interest\u003c\/b\u003e. Within this framework, the pursuit of personal gain is believed to generate \u003cb\u003ethe greatest good for society as a whole\u003c\/b\u003e. This idea-embodied in the figure of \u003ci\u003ehomo economicus\u003c\/i\u003e and the concept of \u003cb\u003ethe invisible hand\u003c\/b\u003e-has become central to market-based economic systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYet this vision of human nature contrasts sharply with another understanding: \u003cb\u003ehumans as deeply social beings\u003c\/b\u003e, whose well-being depends on cooperation, relationships, and \u003cb\u003emutual trust\u003c\/b\u003e. At the heart of this tension lies a crucial question-\u003cb\u003ehow social trust translates into collective participation and political engagement\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis volume explores the role of \u003cb\u003epolitical efficacy\u003c\/b\u003e, both \u003cb\u003einternal and external\u003c\/b\u003e, in mediating the relationship between \u003cb\u003esocial trust and political decision-making\u003c\/b\u003e. It examines why trust alone is insufficient, and how it must be transformed into \u003cb\u003epolitical capacity\u003c\/b\u003e to influence institutions and outcomes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrawing on debates in \u003cb\u003esocial capital\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003epolitical capital\u003c\/b\u003e, the book shows how \u003cb\u003esocial trust functions as a resource\u003c\/b\u003e, not merely a moral value. When supportive structures exist, it can be converted into \u003cb\u003epolitical skills, participation, and influence\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBy reframing economics as \u003cb\u003ea social process rather than a purely individual one\u003c\/b\u003e, this volume invites readers to reconsider the foundations of \u003cb\u003eeconomic theory, political participation, and collective responsibility\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Alessandro Pirrone\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798630488428\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Independently Published\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 03\/25\/2020\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 180\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.60lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.41d","brand":"Alessandro Pirrone","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":48588274729215,"sku":"9798630488428","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/ecological-policy-handbook-vol-iii-alessandro-pirrone-9798630488428","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}