Escaping the Prisoner's Dilemma with Associative Economics
Publication information:
Abstract
Modern economic theory treats the Prisoner's Dilemma as proof that rational self-interest inevitably produces a fight for competitive advantage. Associative economics, founded on Rudolf Steiner’s living economic thinking and carried forward by many others, reveals another path. This paper demonstrates how economic associations grounded in transparency, truth, and trust create conditions for conscious cooperation. Rather than accepting selfishness as the rational response to incomplete information, associative economics transforms isolated actors into participants in a living economic organism where mutual benefit and genuine belonging emerge naturally—shifting economic life from ecologically destructive self-interest toward collaboration that supports our soul and spiritual development.
Presenter Biography
Timothy Kennedy serves on the Collegium of the School of Spiritual Science in North America, the Western Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society in America and is Managing Director of Anthroposophy.Social. His work focuses on natural building, social sculpture and practical applications of Rudolf Steiner's economic, organizational and creativity insights.