David Hume's Political Economy

This collection of essays explores the significance of David Hume's Political Economy and its impact on Enlightenment thought and political discourse.

This collection of twelve new essays by distinguished scholars in the fields of history and the philosophy of economics is one of the first comprehensive studies of Hume’s political economy. David Hume's Political Economy examines Hume’s Political Discourses (1752), which garnered immediate acclaim and established him as a key figure in the realm of political economy. The essays collectively highlight the central role that political economy plays in Hume’s intellectual pursuits and underscore the significant impact of his theories on Enlightenment thought and practices.

A major strength of David Hume's Political Economy lies in the diverse backgrounds of its contributors, who come from philosophy, economics, political science, history, and literature. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a holistic understanding of Hume’s political economy, considering his extensive writings and correspondence. The essays capture Hume’s polymathic genius by exploring his analyses of trade, commerce, and the institutions of money and markets, while also addressing human agency, reason, passions, manners, and social mores.

The book serves as a vital resource for students and researchers interested in economic and political philosophy, the history of economic and political theory, and the evolution of ideas. By offering fresh insights into Hume’s work, it paves the way for a deeper appreciation of his contributions to the fields of economics and political science.