A Philosopher's Economist: Hume and the Rise of Capitalism

Hume's economic thought has been overlooked, but A Philosopher Economist argues that it was a central preoccupation of his life and work. He made important contributions to the science of economics, including on money, trade, and public finance, and his understanding of human behavior provided a foundation for his analysis of the ethical and political dimensions of capitalism. He linked his economic theory with policy recommendations and sought to influence people in power. His imprint on modern economics is profound and far-reaching, and his book serves as an important springboard for reflections on the philosophical underpinnings of economics.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Although David Humes contributions to philosophy are firmly established, his economics has been largely overlooked. A Philosophers Economist offers the definitive account of Humes "worldly philosophy" and argues that economics was a central preoccupation of his life and work. Margaret Schabas and Carl Wennerlind show that Hume made important contributions to the science of economics, notably on money, trade, and public finance. Humes astute understanding of human behavior provided an important foundation for his economics and proved essential to his analysis of the ethical and political dimensions of capitalism. Hume also linked his economic theory with policy recommendations and sought to influence people in power. While in favor of the modern commercial world, believing that it had and would continue to raise standards of living, promote peaceful relations, and foster moral refinement, Hume was not an unqualified enthusiast. He recognized many of the underlying injustices of capitalism, its tendencies to promote avarice and inequality, as well as its potential for political instability and absolutism.

Humes imprint on modern economics is profound and far-reaching, whether through his close friend Adam Smith or later admirers such as John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich Hayek. Schabas and Wennerlinds book compels us to reconsider the centrality and legacy of Humes economic thought—for both his time and ours—and thus serves as an important springboard for reflections on the philosophical underpinnings of economics.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226824024