Meta-Economics:
An Emerging Field for Economic Transformation
Meta-Economics integrates moral philosophy with economic systems thinking. It acknowledges that humans are motivated not only by self-interest but also by shared values such as justice, courage, and compassion. Our aim is to help economic systems better reflect this reality—by integrating character and virtue exploration into business education and equipping leaders to design markets that serve long-term societal and planetary well-being.
This work builds on a lineage of thinkers—from Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments to regenerative and doughnut economics—while cultivating a coherent, scalable framework for change.
| READ: Jonathan F.P. Rose’s article “Meta economics: generating moral economies“, in the International Review of Applied Economics. |
The prevailing economic paradigm is often presented as values-neutral, yet its effects—rising inequality, ecological harm, and institutional distrust—are anything but. Business schools educate thousands of future leaders each year, representing a powerful leverage point for change.
Meta-Economics meets this moment with a hopeful alternative: a rigorous, values-informed framework that reconnects economics with moral purpose, civic virtue, and long-term stewardship. It is both a critique and a constructive pathway forward.
Meta-Economics
as a “Generative Social Field”
The Garrison Institute’s Meta-Economics Initiative is a space for shared inquiry, relational insight, and moral imagination. It incorporates diverse movements like:
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- Regenerative Economics
- Well-Being Economies
- Doughnut Economics
- Cohesive Capitalism
- Life-Ennobling Economics
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Yet, where many alternative models critique the current paradigm or offer abstract blueprints, Meta-Economics also emphasizes practical transitions, reimagining the power of business schools to lead real change that involves institutions, narratives, and inner transformation.
Recently Added
Crossing the Commons: From Inner Change to Systemic Change
By David Bollier “Be the change you want to see in the world!” is the familiar counsel of great social movements. The advice echoes the lyric from the great African-American song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” But how, exactly, might our inner...
Join Us
Meta-Economics is an evolving conversation, and we invite you to engage
- Attend our webinars and join discussions.
- Explore our resource library and contribute new insights.
- Participate in convenings to help shape the field.
- Connect with us to add your project or research to the map.
Learn more and get involved and download our field-building plan for metaeconomics.
“The rules of justice are accurate in the highest degree, and admit of no exceptions or modifications. … They are the foundation of all social order: when they are removed, the great, the immense fabric of human society… must in a moment crumble into atoms.”
– Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759)
Our Work
Webinars & Thought Leadership
Our Metaeconomics Webinar Series brings together leading thinkers from economics, philosophy, public policy, and spirituality to explore how ethical considerations shape markets, finance, and global economic systems.
Past sessions (see on the right):
- A Transformative Conversation on Moral Economies
- The Common Good: Exploring Island of Coherence with Indy Johar
- Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire with Rebecca Henderson
- Gross National Happiness as a Keystone in Sustainable Growth with Tshewang Wangchuk
- Eric Beinhocker On the New Economic Paradigm
Past Sessions