Cosmogenesis

This chapter covers Kenneth Boulding’s most creative (and possibly productive) period of his life. From 1949 to 1967, Boulding wrote (or edited) 11 books and 187 articles. In addition, he wrote a dozen articles for Quaker publications. Even more important than the amount he wrote was the originality and breadth of subjects on which he wrote. While at the University of Michigan, Boulding helped found the Society for General Systems Research, the Center for Research on Conflict Resolution, and the Journal of Conflict Resolution. More important, his attempt to formulate a General Theory of Conflict and Defense and his involvement with the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University marked the beginning of Boulding’s formal study of peace research. His article “The Economics of the Coming Spaceship Earth” (1966) was written at a time when economists were not focused on environmental issues, such as sustainability. Spaceship Earth serves as a precursor and foundation to modern ecological economics—and it is as relevant today as when he wrote it. On a personal note, Michigan is where Boulding and Elise raised their five children and further planted their Quaker roots. Also, Elise, who received her master’s degree in sociology right before leaving Iowa, also started (and eventually completed a couple years after leaving Michigan) her PhD in sociology.