On the conceptual foundations of ecological economics: A teleological approach

Abstract Nature is characterised by the emergence and continued existence of Far From Equilibrium Self-Organizing Dissipative Structures (FFESODS), which can be described in terms of their genotypes (potentialities) and phenotypes (realizations). If a FFESODS' genotype is contained within its phenotype, we call it an organism. We can describe the behaviour of organisms as being teleological. We offer three tele for organisms: first telos - self-maintenance, development and self-realization; second telos - replication and renewal; third telos - service to other organisms, to other species or to the whole of nature. Sustainability of an ecosystem requires a balance and harmony between these mutually supporting tele. We define the related concepts of stock, store and fund. We can interpret all living activity, be it natural or economic, in terms of relationships between funds, through the three tele. We can characterise the environmental problems in the First World as stemming from too great an emphasis by humans on the first telos (through consumerism) and too little emphasis on the third telos. In the Third World we can identify environmental problems with an imbalance towards the second telos (reproduction), leading to a de-emphasis of the third telos. The long-run solution to global environmental problems must lie in the re-establishment of global harmony between the three tele of both humans and non-humans.