DOI: 10.1093/9780197908280.003.0010 ISSN:
Capitals Theory (or the Total Capital Theory)
Pasi HeikkurinenAbstract
Chapter 9 explores the nature of capital theory and uses it to dissect and advance processual orientation to find solutions to the existential crisis. It analyses the very conception of nature as capital and natural capital in the light of both weak and strong sustainability assumptions as well as connecting it to humans through the notion of metabolism. It presents the first capitals principle as conditioning that the total quality of capital is constant, while the quality of total capital is in constant change and bids the first capitals principle to guide action and knowledge production, advocating for a critical appraisal of life, or being alive, as a main concern.