Historicizing Self-Interest in the Modern Atlantic World: A Plea for Ego?

This volume explores the historical development of the concept of self-interest in economic theory, from Bernard de Mandeville and Adam Smith to the twentieth century. It offers new insights into the concept by examining why, when, for what reason, and in which contexts it was discussed or referred to, how it was employed by contemporaries, and how the different usages developed and changed over time. The book focuses on self-interest in the modern Atlantic World from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries, using various approaches such as political and economic theory, actuarial science, anthropology, and the history of emotions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the historical roots and evolution of the concept of self-interest, which has been a central tenet of economic theory since the time of Bernard de Mandeville and Adam Smith. While self-interest has been widely recognized as a defining trait of human behavior in the twentieth century, its historical significance has received limited attention. This book seeks to rectify that by exploring the various discussions, applications, and interpretations of self-interest across different periods and regions.

The book begins by tracing the historical development of self-interest from its early philosophical roots to its emergence as a central theme in economic theory. It examines how self-interest has been interpreted and employed by various thinkers, including Mandeville, Smith, and later economists such as Ricardo and Marx. The volume also explores the different contexts in which self-interest has been discussed, such as political philosophy, moral psychology, and economic policy.

One of the key insights of the book is that self-interest is not a fixed or universal concept but rather a multifaceted and context-dependent phenomenon. It has been shaped by cultural, social, and economic factors, and its meanings and applications have varied across different historical periods and regions. The book highlights the diverse ways in which self-interest has been understood and utilized by individuals, organizations, and societies, ranging from the pursuit of personal gain to the promotion of social welfare.

To facilitate its exploration, the book employs a range of approaches, including political and economic theory, actuarial science, anthropology, and the history of emotions. By integrating these diverse disciplines, the book provides a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary perspective on self-interest. It offers new insights into the complex relationships between self-interest, morality, and social order.

In conclusion, this volume offers a valuable contribution to the study of economic theory and history. By historicizing the concept of self-interest, it provides a deeper understanding of the historical roots and evolution of this key component of Western capitalism. It offers new insights into the diverse ways in which self-interest has been understood and utilized by individuals, organizations, and societies, and it sheds light on the complex relationships between self-interest, morality, and social welfare. This book will be of interest to researchers and scholars of intellectual, political, and economic history in the modern Atlantic World.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 161 x 243 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367901226