Recovering Classical Liberal Political Economy: Natural Rights and the Harmony of Interests

This book explores the philosophical roots of classical liberal political economy, the relationship between the empire and liberalism, and the development of interest-based liberalism. It re-examines the economic arguments of thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, Thomas Paine, John Trenchard, and Thomas Gordon, and highlights the importance of Bernard Mandeville and Adam Smith in the development of interest-based liberalism. It also re-examines lesser-known economic tracts by thinkers such as John Locke, David Hume, and John Stuart Mill in light of their more well-known political writings. Understanding the origins and development of classical liberalism is essential for every democratic citizen.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book provides a comprehensive account of the origins and development of liberal political and economic theory, encompassing case studies that span from the English Civil War to the initial encounters between liberalism and socialism. It offers a comparative analysis of distinct intellectual traditions, including English natural rights theory, the Scottish Enlightenment, Victorian-era utilitarianism, and classical political economy. By integrating the history of economic thinking into the broader milieu of modern political, moral, and natural philosophy, the book examines secondary literature and research from various disciplinary areas such as political theory, modern intellectual history, economic thought, and modern British history and philosophy.

The philosophical roots of classical liberal political economy are re-examined in this book, while also addressing the relationship between the empire and liberalism. It proposes an interpretive model based on the interconnection between distinct theories of natural rights and the harmony of interests. A fresh perspective on classical liberalism is offered by exploring economic arguments in thinkers who are not typically considered economic thinkers, such as Thomas Hobbes, Thomas Paine, John Trenchard, and Thomas Gordon. Additionally, the importance of Bernard Mandeville and Adam Smith in the development of interest-based liberalism is highlighted.

Lesser-known economic tracts by thinkers like John Locke, David Hume, and John Stuart Mill are re-examined in light of their more well-known political writings. Understanding the complex origins and development of the ideas that have shaped our world today is crucial for every democratic citizen, as classical liberal assumptions continue to dominate contemporary debates about economic justice.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399500609