CSCH.3035 Intellectual History of Capitalism
Popular understandings of capitalism today tend to echo ideas from intellectual debates of the past. When Gordon Gekko announces in Wall Street (1987) that "greed is good," he is channeling a line of thinking going back at least to an influential 18th century fable written by an Anglo-Dutch physician. When liberal arts professors today bemoan the neglect of humanities in an increasingly mercenary age, they are reiterating concerns familiar to the followers of a popular 19th century English poet-turned-inspector of schools. If you are concerned today about how money is corrupting politics, you would have found kindred spirits in an Athenian assembly circa 450 B.C. Seminar participants will consider answers to some of the most enduring questions about capitalism and its effects. Does capitalism make everyone richer or just a few? What is required for capitalism to function? Does it fray our relationships with our fellow beings or bind us stronger? Does it morally corrupt us or elevate us? Does capitalism undermine its own foundation? Studying some of the most influential responses from the past will enable course participants to gain a richer perspective on capitalism and thereby become more sophisticated observers and commentators of contemporary issues.
LA