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The foundations of the ethical tradition of economics: Plato'sRepublic

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  • James E. Alvey

Abstract

Purpose - Economics was closely entwined with ethics up to the 1930s when this weakened subsequently. Amartya Sen first sketched this historical relationship in his book,On Ethics and Economics. This paper is in broad agreement with Sen. It aims to explore the ethical foundations of economics in ancient Greece, focussing on Plato'sRepublic. Design/methodology/approach - Key aspects of Sen's ethical framework (ethical motivation, human well‐being, and social achievement) are used as a template to re‐investigate Plato's work. A close reading of Plato'sRepublicis undertaken in order to demonstrate the foundations of economics as an ethical enterprise. Findings - First, Plato argues that there is a range of motivations and behaviors along an ethical scale. For Plato, the goal is to try to establish what constitutes ethical behavior and then seek conditions suitable to bring it about. Second, in theRepublic, one sees an outline of Plato's understanding of human well‐being. Human functioning (physical and mental flourishing, including friendship), and gender equality are key parts of his picture. Third, Plato is painting the picture of a utopian society in theRepublic. In discussions of the ideal society, the economy, laws, and other policies must be set within an ethical framework. In several respects, Plato anticipates Sen's capabilities approach to economics. Originality/value - In recent years, great efforts have been devoted to developing and extending Sen's Capability Framework. Part of that work has been devoted to tracing the origins of Sen's approach back to Aristotle. This paper represents the first attempt to trace that framework back further, to Plato'sRepublic.

Suggested Citation

  • James E. Alvey, 2011. "The foundations of the ethical tradition of economics: Plato'sRepublic," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 38(10), pages 824-846, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ijsepp:v:38:y:2011:i:10:p:824-846
    DOI: 10.1108/03068291111170389
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George A. Petrochilos, 2002. "Kalokagathia: The Ethical Basis of Hellenic Political Economy and Its Influence from Plato to Ruskin and Sen," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 34(3), pages 599-631, Fall.
    2. Daniel Silvermintz, 2010. "Plato's Supposed Defense of the Division of Labor: A Reexamination of the Role of Job Specialization in the Republic," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 42(4), pages 747-772, Winter.
    3. Alvey, James E., 2005. "Overcoming Positivism In Economics: Amartya Sen'S Project Of Infusing Ethics Into Economics," Discussion Papers 23702, Massey University, Department of Applied and International Economics.
    4. James E. Alvey, 2011. "A Short History of Ethics and Economics," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 12674.
    5. Barry Gordon, 1975. "Economic Analysis before Adam Smith," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-02116-1, October.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ethics; Economics; Socrates; Xenophon; Ethical motivations; Human well‐being; Amartya Sen;
    All these keywords.

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    1. Pensamiento económico antiguo in Wikipedia Spanish

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