Rethinking Investment Beliefs in a Time of Crisis: The Calming Hand of Philosophy

7 Pages Posted: 22 May 2009

See all articles by Jack Gray

Jack Gray

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Date Written: May 20, 2009

Abstract

Three insights from philosophy are helpful in this time of financial and economic crisis. First, philosophy is designed to inspire a state of calm, meditative reflection. Second, only during crises are personal, political, and investment beliefs seriously tested. Third, philosophical beliefs underpin much of the debate about the crisis and its solutions. These are, in turn, underpinned by personal beliefs about society, politics, ethics, and human behaviour. Exposing some of these hidden paradigms gives investors an opportunity to test, adapt or even abandon their investment beliefs. All of this supports the Tao-like challenge that to be useful, investment beliefs must be flexible and firmly held at the same time.

Keywords: Ethics, Implementation, Investment Beliefs, Pension Fund, Philosophy

Suggested Citation

Gray, Jack, Rethinking Investment Beliefs in a Time of Crisis: The Calming Hand of Philosophy (May 20, 2009). Rotman International Journal of Pension Management, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1408622

Jack Gray (Contact Author)

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) ( email )

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