In search of the principle of sustainable development – an attempt to evaluate the concepts of Hans Christoph Binswanger and Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt

Abstract

Hans Christoph Binswanger was one of the most prominent Swiss and European economists. He made attempts to diagnose the contemporary socio-economic and ecological situation in highly developed countries. He proposed 'the idea of moderation' in economic and social activities. The modern economy is based on coercion and pressure on economic growth. More and more speculative bubbles are created and their 'bursting' leads to financial and economic crises. H.Ch. Binswanger pointed to the possibility of overcoming crises and entering the path of a sustainable economy: one which does not shy away from altering the mode of its functioning. Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt was a prominent contemporary Austrian biologist, interested in studying the behaviour of humans and animals. In addition to his numerous biological studies, I. Eibl-Eibesfeldt was also the author of socio-philosophical research concerning the basic problems of economics, economy, environmental protection, and sustainable development. The role of man in nature and society is changing rapidly. An important problem of modern society is the time perspective in the processes of biological evolution and the functioning of human society. Biology also emphasises the phylogenetic basis of social actions. The current economic and political situation does not live up to the ideas of economic liberalism. The most negative effects of short-term thinking can be seen, for instance, in agriculture, industry and migration policies. It has become necessary to abandon short-term thinking and devise a long-term development strategy, a survival ethos for future generations. Both H.Ch. Binswanger and I. Eibl-Eibesfeldt contributed to the development of the concept of sustainability and to identifying its problems.