The volume attempts to reformulate existing orthodox economic theory in order to improve its conversation with disciplines that have traditionally been seen as the domain of political scientists, sociologists, psychologists and even biologists.

The volume attempts to reformulate existing orthodox economic theory in order to improve its conversation with disciplines that have traditionally been seen as the domain of political scientists, sociologists, psychologists and even biologists, and to fit economics into the broader scheme of social science theory. Drawing on general systems theory, Robert Scott Gassler applies economic analysis to a wide range of social phenomena that incorporates motives other than profit or self-interest, such as altruism and non-profit organizations. He debates in depth the means, problems and advantages of adapting economic theory to new sets of assumptions, and of communicating this theory intelligibly to those in related fields.

Part I Theory: scope
method
foundations
taxonomy
theory. Part II Applications: individuals
interactions
organizations
nonprofits
processes
sectors
societies
planets. Part III Summary and conclusion: conclusion.