The LFMI is implementing an innovative project called “Scarcity, Morality, and Public Policy.” Based on interdisciplinary research on scarcity, we seek to formulate moral arguments for the evaluation of public policy and to examine the impact of money, labor relations, the welfare state, and paternalism on human and social morality. We also seek to strengthen the capabilities of European public policy think tanks and familiarize the public with moral arguments in the economic sphere.

Download the study The Phenomenon of Scarcity: Being, Man and Society”

We conducted interdisciplinary research into scarcity and its relationship to human beings. We examined human nature, its characteristics and links to scarcity, the perception of scarcity, and experiences of deprivation. We sought to understand scarcity in a broader sense than just material: as an inherent characteristic of humans and the world, a spiritual and existential deprivation.

By analyzing selected policy directions and their impact on humans, social welfare, moral choices, and the development of individual and social virtues, we reevaluated the anthropological aspect of human nature. We analyzed the areas of social benefits, the Nanny State, labor relations, and monetary policy. We sought to understand how these areas reflect and change human nature and character.

Members of the interdisciplinary team: Albinas Plėšnys; Alfredas Laurinavičius; Algimantas Valantiejus; André Azevedo Alves; Arturo Soto; Elena Leontjeva; Holger Lahayne; Kęstutis Kėvalas; Liutauras Degėsys; Naglis Kardelis; Pavel Syssoev; Pedro Moreira; Rita Rekašiūtė Balsienė; Saulius Matulevičius; Steve Daves; Vytautas Žukauskas; Žilvinas Šilėnas.

Documentary film “Sublime Thirst” on LRT Mediateka