Commentary on putting human good at the centre of study, governance and capitalism, Tibetans and self-immolation, and punishment.

New Republic -- The Trouble with Scientism
Why history and the humanities are also a form of knowledge.

Quote worth quoting.

“Healthy relationships between the sciences and the humanities should aspire to the condition of the best marriages—to a partnership in which different strengths and styles are acknowledged and appreciated, in which a fruitful division of labor constantly evolves, in which constructive criticism is given and received, in which neither party can ever make a plausible claim to absolute authority, and in which the ultimate goal is nothing less than the furtherance of the human good.”

Useful lecture on the current crisis in capitalism and its critics.

youtube -- Crisis of Capitalism, Crisis of Governance: Re-reading Karl Polanyi in the 21st Century
Prof Nancy Fraser, Henry A. and Louise Loeb Professor of Political and Social Science and Department Chair at the New School for Social Research in New York, delivers her keynote speech titled 'Crisis of Capitalism, Crisis of Governance: Re-reading of Karl Polanyi in the 21st Century' at the University of Warwick's Critical Governance conference.

Quote worth quoting.

“Capitalism is not the problem; the problem is what we do with capitalism.”

Tibet in crisis. Thanks to Tony of Victoria.

straight.com -- Gwynne Dyer: Tibetans in flames
The number of Tibetans burning themselves to death in protests against Chinese policy has grown very fast recently: the first self-immolation was in 2009, but 22 of the 30 incidents happened in the past year.

Related. Thank to David of Victoria.

New York Times -- After Barreling Ahead in Recession, China Finally Slows
A nationwide real estate downturn, stalling exports and declining consumer confidence have produced what a Chinese cabinet adviser, quoted on the official government Web site on Thursday, characterized as a “sharp slowdown in the economy.”

Punish the guilty!

Globe and Mail -- Hurt the criminal or hurt the crime?
If a neighbourhood kid grabs you on the street, slashes you with a knife and steals your wallet, once you get over the pain, the rage, the fear and the police bureaucracy, you’ll probably want him sent to prison.

Related.

Response to The New Economics and Canada, Speech for the Green Party of BC: “I think humane poverty programs should also be realistic.  Some people won't work.  Allow them a minimal income that no ambitious person would be satisfied with, and write them off.   Help the people that need to be helped, accept some moochers (which would probably reduce crime), and incentivize the rest.” – Thanks to Andrew of Singapore