Money and Thoughtlessness: A Genealogy and Defense of the Traditional Suspicions of Money and Merchants

Justin Pack's book explores the genealogy of the traditional suspicion of money and merchants, framed by how money has changed and how different traditions responded to it. He argues that thoughtlessness is related to modern life's abstract systems, calculative rationality, and the profit motive, which discourage thinking and challenge the implications and morality of these systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

In his book, Justin Pack delves into the intricate history of the traditional suspicion surrounding money and merchants. This genealogy is shaped by both the transformative impact of money itself and the diverse responses it elicited from different traditions. During the Axial Age, which coincided with the widespread adoption of coinage, money and merchants became hotly contested issues. A profound mistrust of money and merchants was particularly prominent in the Greek, Confucian, and Christian traditions, and it persisted even into the Middle Ages. These traditions grappled with a novel dialectic of purity that emerged alongside the widespread use of money.

How did these concerns manifest politically, socially, and philosophically? How did they evolve over time? How did medieval Europe navigate the complexities of money, and how did this shape modern governmentality? To address these profound questions, Pack turns to the insightful work of Hannah Arendt. Arendt argues that one of the defining features of our contemporary era is a profound sense of thoughtlessness. This thoughtlessness is intricately linked to the increasingly abstract nature of modern life, particularly under the influence of neoliberalism. Modern life is characterized by abstract systems, abstract calculative rationality, abstract relations, and the relentless pursuit of profit. Money serves as both the driving force and the embodiment of this machinery.

The hyper-complex abstract systems of modernity tend to discourage the act of "thinking" (wonder, questioning everything) in favor of "cognition" (problem solving). Too often, this results in thoughtless cognition—the ability to enhance productivity and efficiency coupled with an inability to critically examine and challenge the ethical implications and moral frameworks of these systems.

In his book, Pack explores the profound implications of this thoughtless cognition, highlighting its detrimental effects on our ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster critical thinking, and uphold ethical principles. He calls for a renewed emphasis on the importance of thoughtful inquiry, the cultivation of wonder, and the interrogation of the systems that shape our lives. By reclaiming our capacity for thoughtful reflection, we can navigate the complexities of modernity with greater wisdom and integrity.

In conclusion, Justin Pack's book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the historical roots of the traditional suspicion surrounding money and merchants. Through his genealogical analysis, Pack sheds light on the complex interplay between money, tradition, and the broader social, political, and philosophical landscape. By drawing on the insights of Hannah Arendt, Pack highlights the dangers of thoughtless cognition and calls for a renewed commitment to thoughtful inquiry and ethical reflection. This book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the potential for a more informed and responsible future.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031222603
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023