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: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
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 utilitarian philosophers, moralists, and economists, and how it has shaped the development of economic thought.

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 explores how different historical periods and cultural contexts have shaped the perception and practice of self-interest, and how it has been influenced by factors such as social norms, political institutions, and economic systems.

The book also examines the various ways in which self-interest has been deployed in political and economic contexts. It explores how self-interest has been used to justify and promote economic inequality, as well as how it has been challenged and subverted by movements for social justice and economic reform.

In addition to its historical analysis, the book also offers new insights into the nature and implications of self-interest. It explores how self-interest can be both beneficial and harmful, and how it can be reconciled with other moral and ethical principles. It also examines the role of self-interest in shaping individual behavior and decision-making, and how it can be influenced by factors such as emotions, cognitive biases, and social networks.

Overall, this volume provides a rich and nuanced exploration of the concept of self-interest, offering valuable insights into its historical roots, evolution, and contemporary applications. It is an essential resource for researchers and scholars of intellectual, political, and economic history in the modern Atlantic World.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367741495