Introduction to SCE

What if the way we measure "success" is wrong?

The Problem with Development

For the last century, we've measured development with one main tool: Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

GDP = The total $ value of goods and services. The logic: If the economy grows, the country is "developing."

The GDP Flaw

But what does GDP really measure? Imagine a devastating earthquake.

• Money is spent on cleanup.
• Money is spent on construction.
• Money is spent on healthcare.

Result: GDP goes UP. Is the community better off? No. GDP counts activity, not well-being.

A New Idea

Development is about PEOPLE, not objects. The goal of a healthy society isn't just to make a bigger economy. The goal is to meet Fundamental Human Needs.

The "Standard of Living" Trap

We confuse "Standard of Living" (how much stuff we can buy) with "Quality of Life" (how well we live). This is a dangerous trap because:

• More stuff ≠ more happiness.
• The pursuit of infinite stuff is destroying the planet.
• It makes us think we need a new car, when we really need Affection or Participation.

The Core Concept: Needs vs. Satisfiers

This is the most critical distinction in this entire course.

• NEEDS are finite, few, and constant.
• SATISFIERS are infinite, cultural, and always changing.

What are NEEDS? (The Finite)

Needs are the fundamental requirements for a full human life.

• They are universal (everyone has them).
• They are constant (a person in ancient Rome had the same needs as you).
• There are only NINE of them.

Think of them as the "vitamins" you need to be healthy.

The 9 Fundamental Needs

• Subsistence
• Protection
• Affection
• Understanding
• Participation
• Idleness/Leisure
• Creation
• Identity
• Freedom

(We'll dive deeper into each of these later.)

What are SATISFIERS? (The Infinite)

Satisfiers are the ways we try to meet our needs. They are the "food" we eat to get the "vitamins." Example:

• Need: Protection
• Satisfiers: A police force, a strong community, a security alarm, a peace treaty, a public health system.

The Core Danger

We get trapped when we mistake a Satisfier for a Need.

• We don't need a smartphone. We need Understanding and Affection.
• We don't need a car. We need Subsistence (to get to work) or Freedom (to move).

When we focus on the Need, we can invent new, better Satisfiers.

Your Turn: The Shopping Cart Critique

ASSIGNMENT
Look at your last 10 purchases.

• What Satisfier did you buy? (e.g., "a coffee with a friend")
• What underlying Need were you really trying to meet? (e.g., "Affection," "Idleness")
• Was it a good satisfier? Or was it a temporary fix?