More people.
More owners.
The proposal broadens ownership of productive assets, so that people can receive capital income alongside income from their work.
Economic democracy ↗A different perspective on economics
A changing world.
A new paradigm.
Rethinking how wealth is created, who owns it, and how an economy can serve people and the planet.
The work of Rodney Shakespeare, Simon Mouatt & Peter Challen
CONNECTED OWNERSHIP. SHARED POSSIBILITY.
↗ Wider ownership of productive capital
◎ A methodology that questions assumptions
✳ Responsibility towards people & planet
01 / Start with the essentials
What if we changed
the starting point?
The Binary Paradigm asks us to reconsider the assumptions behind our economic systems. Its authors argue that an economy must reflect technological change, enable wider ownership and take environmental responsibility seriously.
At its heart is a simple question: if technology produces more of our wealth, how can everyone share in the income it generates?
Explore the original argument ↗More people.
Finance connected
to the real economy.
The authors propose repayable, interest-free finance for productive assets and environmental projects, with fair administration costs.
Practical applications ↗Wellbeing within
a living world.
The framework brings human wellbeing, ecosystems and the responsible use of resources into its definition of economics.
A wider view of economics ↗02 / The methodology
Question. Reconsider.
Discover.
The authors call their method EDCReD: five steps for examining assumptions and developing new policies.
E
Examine
Look at the facts across a wide range of subjects.
D
Detect
Identify the assumptions used to interpret those facts.
C
Check
Ask whether those assumptions accurately reflect reality.
Re
Reverse
Reconsider inaccurate assumptions and explore their opposites.
D
Deduce
Develop policy proposals from the revised understanding.
Listen / Audio introduction
Hear the ideas.
In the author’s voice.
An introduction to the Binary Paradigm by Rodney Shakespeare.
This recording is an introduction, rather than a full audiobook.
03 / The reading room
Go deeper. At your pace.
Start with a short perspective, or explore
the full argument in the original paper.
Binary Paradigm,
Methodology & Economics
Rodney Shakespeare, Simon Mouatt & Peter Challen
The framework, methodology, practical proposals, six appendices and references.
For the Healing
of the Nations
Michiel Bijkerk
A short perspective on paradigm change, economic justice and the Golden Meand Society.
A few useful starting points
New to the
Binary Paradigm?
You don’t need an economics background to begin exploring.
What does “binary” mean here?
Binary economics distinguishes two contributions to production: human labour and productive capital, such as tools, machinery and technology. The proposal focuses on enabling more people to own capital and receive its income.
What is a Binary Basic Income?
In this framework, it is income from ownership of productive capital. The authors propose widening that ownership so capital income reaches everyone, alongside any earnings from work. See the foundational paper, pages 18–19.
Where can I find the 59 assumptions?
Appendix One of the foundational paper sets out the 59 assumptions challenged by the authors, together with their proposed alternatives. Read Appendix One ↗
Where should I start reading?
For a short overview, begin with For the Healing of the Nations. For the complete argument, read the foundational paper. The illustrated online book offers chapter navigation, search and adjustable text size.
Are these proposals or established outcomes?
This site introduces the authors’ framework and policy proposals. Summaries describe their arguments; the original publications provide their reasoning, references and areas identified for further development.
04 / People behind the ideas
An invitation
to think further.
The Binary Paradigm brings together questions of economics, ethics, ownership and the environment. Its authors invite readers to explore, discuss and develop the framework.
Explore areas for development ↗Rodney Shakespeare
Simon Mouatt
Peter Challen
Simon Mouatt
Peter Challen
Supported on the original website by Michiel Bijkerk, Ruben Suriel, Rodney Juliet, Janeth Montilva and Kenly Servania.
Enquiries & discussion
rodney.shakespeare1@btopenworld.com ↗
Contact address as listed in the original publication.