Calculation methods

Ulf Johanson and Emmanuel Aboagye

Chapter 3 in Pluralistic Economics, 2026, pp 23-38 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: In this chapter, the authors explore the dual nature of economic calculations, juxtaposing their perceived objective neutrality with the ethical and social consequences they produce. By comparing the practice of calculating to the brilliant but morally detached Professor Calculus, the authors argue that these financial tools are never truly innocent; instead, they serve as instruments of power and argumentation that often simplify human life into measurable data. The chapter traces this complexity through historical examples and modern occupational health and safety (OHS) tools, illustrating how a narrow focus on monetary returns can overlook the inherent value of employee well-being. Ultimately, the chapter critiques the myth of the “economic man” and calls for a shift toward ecological rationality, which acknowledges that responsible decision-making must be grounded in human values and the practical realities of a complex environment.

Keywords: Financial calculations; Ethical and moral considerations; Health economic tools; Rational decision-making models; Occupational health and safety tools; Ecological rationality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035393497
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