an ex. of specific cost of energy is $/mile driven which is a much better indicator than $/gallon - as the objective is not to have cheap fuel to waste it but to limit the cost per mile driven - the fuel efficiency of the car making all the difference.
Breath on the Wind
Favorite Answer
Energy cost will naturally take into consideration externalities like pollution. Energy price like all prices usually ignores externalities. The problem is with the economic system that holds price as the only value that needs to be considered. It is the wall street, and bankers short term bottom line that has permeated not only American society but since WWII has been spreading more quickly around the world.
------------------------------------------------
Like "Science," in general, thinking that narrows and focuses can be very powerful and can get remarkable results but risks overlooking what is valuable. Sometimes logic can bring us to a reasonable result, but if it is not checked with what we want to achieve then it can be an empty result. In America as elsewhere a broad education is giving way to the narrow, "cost effective" higher training the is passed off as "education." It can be very effective, but when applied outside of relative fields, sometimes too narrow.
-------------------------------------------------
In philosophy this might be considered a manifestation of the tension between the "heart" and the "head." Too much of one or the other or either used in the wrong circumstances will not give satisfactory results.
--------------------------------------
As an educated and also somewhat schooled American who has traveled extensively my views may not represent the mainstream as yours may not represent the majority views of your society. Perhaps what is more important than divisions by country would be finding the value in a few insightful people you do find on your journey through life.
__________________________
regerugged
The cost of energy to me is the price I have to pay for energy.
Richard
In my experience, a lot of Americans are quite thick.