Can Economics Explain Human Sacrifice?
Do you think that human sacrifice falls outside the scope of economics? I recently compiled numerous passages that argue that ritualistic sacrifice is simply trade between believers and their deities. If you're at all interested in economics, politics or religion...then you might find some insightful passages...Can Economics Explain Human Sacrifice?
No it cannot, only the lack of value for human life combined with selfishness and unfounded fear.
Can economics explain why somebody would sacrifice their cattle to their god?Originally Posted by oyarde
Sacrificing your property in exchange for the good feeling that you will get from your beliefs about the benefits of sacrifice is consistent with all other human action. It is no different than choosing to eat a certain diet or exercising in a certain way or giving aid to a person in need.
The proper concern of society is the preservation of individual freedom; the proper concern of the individual is the harmony of society.
"Who would be free, themselves must strike the blow." - Byron
"Who overcomes by force, hath overcome but half his foe." - Milton
The sacrifice was made with the expectiation of getting some positive return in the future (Heaven or salvation? better crops next year? Storms to go away?). Money is invested with the hope of getting some future positive return (otherwise you could go and spend it today and definately get something for it). Both can have emotional reasons for making a particular investment. Yes, I suppose it could be done for economic reasons. Can you put a dollar value on the sacrifice or its hoped for benefits? That is more difficult to calculate.
Last edited by Zippyjuan; 12-11-2012 at 11:41 AM.
Freedom is a state of mind. Nobody can take that from you unless you let them.
Can you explain why somebody would sacrifice their hard earned money for an ugly toyota camry? People just do weird things
How is that any different than sacrificing $15 for a pizza?
Oh yeah - it isn't.
Rather than asking if it can explain sacrifice, why not ask if it can take human sacrifice into account? A complete economic system that formulates laws that describe the results of human behavior spread out over a population ought to ought to include within its scope all aspects of human behavior and motivation, including human sacrifice.
Last edited by erowe1; 12-11-2012 at 11:47 AM.
I’m not a libertarian. I’m not advocating everyone run around with no clothes on and smoke pot.
Hey now--Camry's are reliable.Can you explain why somebody would sacrifice their hard earned money for an ugly toyota camry? People just do weird things
I find it more economical to keep my stock , if I need to sacrifice one , would it not make more sense to invade the country next door and do it with those ?
Last edited by oyarde; 12-11-2012 at 11:51 AM.
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