Scarcity in the age of abundance:paradox and remedies

Rafikov, Ildus and Akhmetova, Elmira (2019) Scarcity in the age of abundance:paradox and remedies. International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 35 (1). pp. 119-132. ISSN 2514-9369 E-ISSN 2514-9377

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (196kB) | Request a copy
Preview	PDF (SCOPUS) - Supplemental Material Download (164kB) | Preview
Preview	PDF (WOS) - Supplemental Material Download (275kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the concepts of scarcity and abundance from an interdisciplinary perspective. It argues that the idea of economics, as the study of human behavior with regard to scarce resources and unlimited wants, leads to competition, confrontation and conflict, whereas the nature of humans is that of kindness, cooperation and sharing. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses content analysis of texts from multiple disciplines, using both deductive and inductive logic, to study the situation of scarcity and abundance, explore reasons and offer remedies. The paper consists of seven sections, five of which are the main discussion. Section 2 looks at the concepts of scarcity and abundance. Section 3 presents reasons for scarcity: economic and behavioral. Section 4 discusses the civilization perspective of poverty and wealth. Section 5 briefly looks at sustainable development and good governance. Section 6 argues in favor of simplicity and spirituality as remedies for the problem of scarcity, and Section 7 concludes the paper. Findings The paper demonstrates the relativity of the concepts of scarcity and abundance, points out the paradox of the modern consumer economies and argues that simplicity, spirituality and universal values are necessary to remedy the ills of overconsumption/overproduction, waste and inequality. Originality/value This paper offers spirituality and ethics-based remedies for the negative consequences of neo-classical economics and social Darwinism.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	7311/67454
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Economics, Scarcity, Spirituality, Gandhi, Universal values, Said Nursi, Abundance, Simplicity
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1188 Religious ethics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1365 Positivist ethics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.75 Islam and economics H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > HB238 Competition. Production. Wealth H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > HB501 Capital. Capitalism H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > HB75 History of economics. History of economic theory H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > HB801 Consumption. Demand
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of History & Civilization
Depositing User:	Dr Elmira Akhmetova
Date Deposited:	15 Nov 2018 15:07
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2019 16:09
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/67454

Actions (login required)

View Item