Politics & Economics
History of economic thought: part 1
An introductory course examining economic ideas, institutions and moral questions from ancient societies to the emergence of modern economics.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course traces how religious, philosophical and economic traditions have interpreted economic life from antiquity to the 18th century. Topics include Aristotle, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Rome and Greece, medieval European thought, Machiavelli, the Mercantilists, the Physiocrats, Richard Cantillon and Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments. Teaching combines tutor presentations, slides and class interaction. Discussion considers slavery, trade, wealth, money, lending, interest and the idea of a just price, alongside examples such as the Inca economy, medieval European trading cities, India’s caste system and China’s official selection system.
What you'll learn
- Compare how different societies have organised economic life.
- Examine moral questions concerning trade, wealth, money, lending, interest and just prices.
- Recognise how economic systems reflect social choices and values rather than fixed natural rules.
- Discuss the contributions of major thinkers and traditions in the development of economic thought before the Industrial Revolution.
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for beginners and requires no previous knowledge. The Beginner level indicates an introductory treatment of the subject. Teaching combines presentation with class interaction, and an interest in news, current affairs, business or economics may help learners engage with the themes.
- No previous knowledge is required.
- An interest in current affairs may be helpful.
Before you go
- There is nothing to buy or bring to the classroom.