1. What is the focus of this study?
The study focuses on exploring the meaning of hope for a social response to radical uncertainty in the context of climate change. It delves into the neglected notion of hope and its implications for theology and economics. The study aims to address the limitations of conventional economic modeling, specifically the social cost-benefit analysis, in dealing with radical uncertainty related to climate change. By incorporating theological perspectives and the concept of hope, the study seeks to propose alternative critical assumptions for addressing radical uncertainty and developing a more comprehensive social response to climate change.
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2. Is a conversation between theology and economics possible?
Yes, a conversation between theology and economics is possible. In chapter 3, a framework using van Huyssteen's postfoundational approach to rationality was constructed to facilitate this conversation. This approach has four key characteristics: recognizing the embeddedness of rationality in human culture, interpreting a shared reality as common ground in all forms of inquiry, critically investigating one's own embeddedness by the participant of an interdisciplinary interaction, and considering problem-solving as the most central and defining activity of all research traditions. The key to a postfoundational interdisciplinary interaction is expressed in the notion of transversal reasoning (TR), which is a conversation between different disciplines on a shared problem. Van Huyssteen's approach, originally created for an interaction between theology and natural science, allows a conversation between theology and economics. A more general reason for this is that a postfoundational notion of rationality is not limited to the debate of religion (including theology) and natural sciences. Van Huyssteen's approach describes human rationality as constantly under construction in engaging with reality. A more particular reason for a successful postfoundational conversation is that the study focused on specific theologians and economists, engaged in specific kinds of theology and economics with postfoundational characteristics, and addressed a clearly defined and shared problem.
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3. What is the societal impact of Sacks' understanding of hope?
Sacks' understanding of hope, rooted in Torah and the narrative of the Exodus, has significant societal impact. It promotes critical assumptions such as emunah (faith), chessed (kindness), and change of identity, which are essential for a social response to radical uncertainty. The Exodus narrative provides a perspective on reality accessible to all, inspiring ongoing conversations within Judaism and Christianity. It has also influenced various societies, including African-Americans in their civil rights struggle. Recently, scientists have retold the Exodus story in the context of climate change, highlighting its relevance and potential for societal impact.
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4. How to construct conversation for understanding social response to climate change?
To construct a conversation between Jonathan Sacks and economists Bart Nooteboom, Samuel Bowles, Dan Ariely, and John Kay & Mervin King, focus on their critical assumptions and narrative modes. Analyze similarities, differences, and areas of disagreement. Assess the relevance of their conversation for addressing radical uncertainty in climate change. This approach, known as Transformative Reading (TR), involves two parts: evaluating the interaction between Sacks' assumptions and the economists' concepts, and determining the conversation's significance for climate change response. By exploring these aspects, a fuller understanding of social responses to climate change can be achieved.
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