The Currency of Politics: The Political Theory of Money from Aristotle to Keynes

The book "The Currency of Politics" explores the intellectual history of money, showing how it is not just a medium of exchange but also a central institution of political rule. It examines six crucial episodes of monetary crisis and argues that informed public debate about money requires a better appreciation of the diverse political struggles over its meaning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In the realm of political thought, the concept of money has played a pivotal role throughout history, spanning from ancient Greece to the Great Inflation of the 1970s. However, despite its centrality to political struggles, it remains challenging to fully articulate the democratic possibilities and limitations of money. This is where "The Currency of Politics" comes in, offering a comprehensive intellectual history of money, drawing upon the insights of key political philosophers to demonstrate how money is not merely a medium of exchange but also a fundamental institution of political rule.

The book takes readers on a journey from ancient Greece to the present, exploring the evolution of money and its impact on political systems. It reveals that money appears to be beyond the grasp of democratic politics, but this perception is deceptive. Even when the politics of money is impossible to ignore, discerning its proper democratic role can be challenging.

In order to address this issue, Stefan Eich delves into six crucial episodes of monetary crisis, uncovering the neglected political theories of money within the thought of renowned figures such as Aristotle, John Locke, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes. Through his analysis, Eich demonstrates how these layers of crisis have shaped our understanding of money and argue that informed public debate about money requires a deeper appreciation of the diverse political struggles over its meaning.

"The Currency of Politics" serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to reclaim foundational ideas at the intersection of monetary rule and democratic politics. By recovering these ideas, the book aims to articulate more democratic conceptions of money, recognizing the historical limits of monetary politics and the need for greater awareness to move towards more inclusive and equitable financial systems.

In conclusion, "The Currency of Politics" is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between money, politics, and democracy. It offers a comprehensive historical and philosophical exploration of money, shedding light on its democratic possibilities and limitations. Through its insights, the book empowers readers to engage in informed public debates about money and work towards creating more democratic and inclusive financial systems.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 167 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691191072