Abstract
The motivation for writing this article stems from the realization that the original ontological nature of commodities in modern society has changed, which necessitates a reconsideration of their ethical, epistemological, and teleological understanding to ensure the continuation of sustainability and sustainable development (SSD). The purpose of this study is to respond to the demand for effective climate policies by theorizing a new social kind, the “giftized commodity,” which adds value to the current paradigm in the general narratives of SSD. This article posits the following two main arguments to theorize the giftized commodity: (1) Internalizing the externalities. Consumers should bear the moral obligation for climate policies since market demand drives production, shipping, and disposal. (2) Reconceptualizing the meaning of commodity. The results from anthropogenic climate change should be considered a fundamental part of any commodity’s price. This article concludes that by acknowledging the new ontological, ethical, epistemological, and teleological status of market goods (i.e., commodities), it is appropriate for climate policymaking to recognize them as giftized commodities.
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