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A History of Greek Economic Thought

Chapter 2: Preface
By Albert Augustus Trever
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EconomicsHistory - Ancient

About This Book

This study reevaluates Greek economic theory by situating thinkers within their economic environment and comparing their humanitarian perspectives with modern concerns. Organized chronologically, it surveys pre-Platonic ideas and detailed treatments of Plato, Xenophon, the orators, Aristotle, and later schools, analyzing their views on value, wealth, production, money, exchange, population, and distribution. Special attention is paid to agriculture, capital, labor including division of labor and slavery, and to debates over interest, tariffs, and the moral limits of acquisition. It examines communistic and socialistic proposals alongside critics' reactions, and contrasts household-focused oikonomia with public economy. The conclusion assesses the scope and influence of Greek economic thought, arguing that ethical concerns often shaped economic prescriptions and that accurate interpretation requires understanding contemporary conditions.

PREFACE

The need of a reinterpretation of Greek economic theory in the light of our modern humanitarian economy is presented in the introduction to this work. If this volume may, in some degree, meet such a need, by awakening the classicist to the existence of important phases of Greek thought with which he is too unfamiliar, and by reminding the economist of the many vital points of contact between Greek and modern economy, our labor will have been amply repaid. There are doubtless errors both in citations and in judgment which will not escape the critic’s eye. We trust, however, that the work is, on the whole, a fair representation of the thought of the Greeks in this important field. In the course of our study, we have naturally been obliged to make constant reference to the actual economic environment of the Greeks, as a proper background for their theories. It is therefore our purpose to publish, at some future date, a general history of economic conditions in Greece, which may serve as a companion to this volume.

We gladly take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Professor Paul Shorey, of the University of Chicago, for his suggestion of the subject of this work, as also for his many helpful criticisms and suggestions during the course of its preparation.

Lawrence College, Appleton, Wis.

November 1, 1915