5. Metaeconomics as Behavioral Economics and the Focus on Happiness

Metaeconomics is a relative of Buddhist economics, through seeing the essential interdependence among people, and with the Spaceship Earth System. Metaeconomics is also related to Behavioral Economics, both drawing upon and contributing to the empirical testing and findings in same. Empirical propositions coming out of Behavioral Economics are explored in the context of Metaeconomic framing and Dual Interest Theory. Due to it being quite empirical, it also helps put new understanding into puzzles, like just what is happiness, anyway. Metaeconomics posits that happiness is about finding balance in Ego and Empathy, each respectively underlying Self- & Other-interest. Happiness on a larger scale comes from such balance within each person, leading to an overall higher attainment of same at the level of Market and Government, on the path to a happier capitalism.