The "Vanity of the Philosopher": From Equality to Hierarchy in Postclassical Economics - Hardcover

Peart, Sandra J.; Levy, David M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0472114964 ISBN 13: 9780472114962

Publisher: University of Michigan Press, 2005

Synopsis

Attempts to explain the shift from egalitarian Classical economic thought to the difference and hierarchy of post - Classical economic thinking Continuing the themes introduced in Levy's acclaimed book How the Dismal Subject Got Its Name, The Vanity of the Philosopher picks up the issues of racism, eugenies, hierarchy, and egalitarianism in classical economics and looks at the various attacks on classical economics' doctrine of human equality. Responding to accusations over the years from the left and the right that the market economy has created either inequality or too much equality, Peart and Levy look at the role of the eugenies movement in pushing economics away from the classical economists' respect for the individual toward a more racist view at the turn of the century. Thus the book attempts to demonstrate the consequences of hierarchy in social science. It show how the ""vanity of the philosopher"" has led to recommendations that range from the more benign but still objectionable ""looking after"" paternalism, to overriding preferences, and, in the extreme, to eliminating purportedly bad preferences. The conclusion is that, at least as a first approximation, an analytical system that abstracts from difference and presumes equal competence is morally compelling.

About this title

Product Description:

The "Vanity of the Philosopher" Attempts to explain the shift from egalitarian Classical economic thought to the difference and hierarchy of post-Classical economic thinking

About the Author:

Sandra J. Peart, Professor of Economics at Baldwin-Wallace College, has published articles on Utilitarianism, the methodology of J.S. Mill, and the transition to neoclassicism. This is her fourth book. David M. Levy is Professor of Economics at George Mason University and a research associate at the Center for the Study of Public Choice. This is his third book.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0472114964
• ISBN 13: 9780472114962
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320