This page collects contributions from the Understanding Economics section that explore the intrinsic qualities of a cooperative economy.
The focus is not primarily on the technical question of how the economy functions.
The central question is:
What attitudes, relationships, and organizational forms support an economy that strengthens responsibility, trust, care, and cooperation?
A cooperative economy does not emerge solely through new structures, legal forms, or tools.
It emerges where people bring different qualities into their economic actions.
From Domination to Care
An introduction to the series. This contribution describes the transition from domination-oriented organizational forms to an economy that is more strongly based on care, responsibility, and cooperation.
Responsibility Instead of Control
On the question of why control cannot replace responsibility and how responsibility arises from relationships, transparency, and trust.
Power and Strength
Distinguishes between external power and inner strength. For TEIKEI, this distinction is important because a cooperative economy should be effective without relying on domination.
Trust as an Economic Foundation
Describes trust as an economic foundation. Where trust grows, collaboration, responsibility, and long-term provision become possible.
Authority and Domination
Distinguishes between domination, which can enforce decisions against others, and authority, which is voluntarily recognized.
Care as an Organizational Principle
Describes care not as a private virtue but as a possible foundation for organization and economic decision-making.
Money and Power
Examines how money can concentrate power, alter relationships, and create dependencies—and how money can become a tool rather than an end in itself.
Cooperation and Competition
Describes the relationship between cooperation and competition and asks which quality forms the foundation of a sustainable economy.
Peace and Fair Contest
Describes peace as the result of a fair contest for all and anger as a force that needs direction.
Economy does not begin with money. Economy begins with relationship.
A cooperative economy does not emerge by redistributing domination. It emerges where responsibility, trust, strength, and care begin to shape economic action.
One level up: Understanding Economics
Author: Felix Schröder, with the help of AI (ChatGPT)
Creation: written by Felix Schröder › formatted in Markdown by ChatGPT › published by Felix Schröder › layout adjusted by Claude
Created: 2026-06-27 · Last updated: 2026-10-11 · Questions or feedback? support@teikei.us