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Physiocracy as an Eighteenth-Century Science

In: Including a Symposium on the Historical Epistemology of Economics

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  • Loïc Charles
  • Christine Théré

Abstract

In this chapter, we investigate the physiocratic claim that political economy is a new science and shows that it covers a sophisticated and nuanced range of discourses and practices. François Quesnay, the founder of physiocracy, displayed a complex and original conception of science based on the entanglement of abstract knowledge with skilled practices and the importance of rooting science in the realm of bodily sensations. We show how he applied consistently this conception to physics (medicine), political economy, and geometry. We conclude by comparing the epistemology of some of his main disciples, especially Butré and Du Pont de Nemours, to that of Quesnay.

Suggested Citation

  • Loïc Charles & Christine Théré, 2017. "Physiocracy as an Eighteenth-Century Science," Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology, in: Including a Symposium on the Historical Epistemology of Economics, volume 35, pages 11-34, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:rhetzz:s0743-41542017000035a001
    DOI: 10.1108/S0743-41542017000035A001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Physiocracy; eighteenth-century science; François Quesnay; epistemology; B11; B40;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B11 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Preclassical (Ancient, Medieval, Mercantilist, Physiocratic)
    • B40 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - General

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