Week 1: Pre-reading: prosperity without growth

Question 1

How Does Material Wealth Relate to Human Flourishing?

Answer 1

Material wealth = essentialfor meeting basic needs, especially in poorer nations

> > it does not directly enhance long-term prosperity in affluent societies.
Beyond basics, consumer goods often symbolize social status and community belonging, contributing indirectly to well-being.

Question 2

How Is Economic Growth Linked to Basic Entitlements?

Answer 2

Economic growth = associated with improvements in
- health
- education, and life expectancy

> > > but these benefits diminish as income levels rise, indicating that continuous growth may not be necessary for flourishing in high-income countries.

Question 3

Why Is Economic Growth Important for Stability?

Answer 3

Growth supports **employment **and social stability by compensating for productivity gains, preventing unemployment and recession. Without growth, economies risk instability, higher social costs, and reduced public spending.

Question 4

What Is the Dilemma of Economic Growth?

Answer 4

Growth is ecologically unsustainable due to resource depletion, but reducing growth could lead to **social instability. **

This dilemma points to the need for new economic models that support prosperity without constant growth.

Question 5

What Is the Path Forward for Balancing Growth and Sustainability?

Answer 5

To separate well-being from material consumption
AND
create resilient systems that align ecological limits with human flourishing.