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Normative learning processes for addressing grand societal challenges: The ordonomic approach of methodological instrumentalism

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  • Pies, Ingo
  • Hielscher, Stefan

Abstract

Grand societal challenges are systemic in nature. They require coordinated behavioral change as well as reliable normative orientation. Prevailing sustainability approaches treat targets such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals as fixed objectives that merely need to be implemented. In contrast, this paper develops an ordonomic perspective that conceives of sustainability as an open-ended process of normative learning. Methodological Instrumentalism is introduced as a grammar of argumentation. Grounded in the practical syllogism, it provides methodological guidance for generating normatively persuasive arguments. This procedure supports both the implementation of existing sustainability goals and their critical reassessment. Using an illustrative case, the paper demonstrates how institutional arrangements can evolve through stakeholder dialogue, experimental approaches, and continuous feedback processes. The ordonomic approach thus offers a dynamic, institutionally grounded alternative to static, technocratic, or moralistic conceptions of sustainability governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Pies, Ingo & Hielscher, Stefan, 2026. "Normative learning processes for addressing grand societal challenges: The ordonomic approach of methodological instrumentalism," Discussion Papers 2026-05, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Chair of Economic Ethics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:mlucee:337446
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ingo Pies & Philipp Schreck & Karl Homann, 2021. "Single-objective versus multi-objective theories of the firm: using a constitutional perspective to resolve an old debate," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 779-811, April.
    2. Pies, Ingo, 2023. "Folk economics and folk ethics as problems of moral reasoning: Ordonomic inspirations for business ethics," Discussion Papers 2023-13, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Chair of Economic Ethics.
    3. Pies, Ingo & Hielscher, Stefan & Beckmann, Markus, 2009. "Moral Commitments and the Societal Role of Business: An Ordonomic Approach to Corporate Citizenship," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 19(3), pages 375-401, July.
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    JEL classification:

    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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