Chapter I: 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

CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION 7

1. Previous works on Greek economic thought.

2. Scope, purpose, method.

3. General characteristics of Greek economic thought.

II. ECONOMIC IDEAS BEFORE PLATO, AND REASONS FOR THE UNDEVELOPED CHARACTER OF GREEK ECONOMICS 14

III. PLATO 22

1. General standpoint.

2. Theory of value.

3. Wealth: theory; moral attitude.

4. Production.

_a_) Agriculture.

_b_) Capital.

_c_) Labor and industry:

(1) Plato’s attitude toward.

(2) Division of labor.

(3) Slavery.

5. Money: theory; moral attitude; interest.

6. Exchange: theory; criticism of Plato’s negative attitude.

7. Population.

8. Distribution: theory; attitude toward laboring classes.

9. Communistic and socialistic ideas.

_a_) Reasons for such tendencies in Greek thought.

_b_) _Republics_ before Plato: Hippodamas; Phaleas.

_c_) Plato’s _Republic_.

_d_) Plato’s _Laws_.

IV. XENOPHON 63

1. Double standpoint.

2. Theory of value.

3. Wealth: practical interest in.

4. Production.

_a_) Theory; positive interest.

_b_) Agriculture.

_c_) Capital.

_d_) Labor and industry.

(1) Positive interest in its development.

(2) Division of labor.

(3) Slavery.

5. Money: theory; in favor of unlimited increase.

6. Exchange: proposed means for its free development.

7. Population.

8. Distribution: attitude toward masses.

9. Socialistic tendencies in the _Revenues_.

V. THE ORATORS—DEMOSTHENES, ISOCRATES 77

VI. ARISTOTLE 81

1. Attitude toward matters economic; domestic and public economy.

2. Theory of value.

3. Wealth: theory; negative attitude toward.

4. Production: theory; negative standpoint.

_a_) Agriculture.

_b_) Capital: theory; negative interest.

_c_) Labor and industry.

(1) Negative attitude.

(2) Division of labor.

(3) Slavery.

5. Money: origin; theory; interest; reasons for the negative
attitude of Aristotle and other Greek philosophers.

6. Exchange: theory; tariff; criticism of “chrematistik.”

7. Population.

8. Distribution: theory; attitude toward masses.

9. Communism and socialism.

_a_) Negative criticism of Plato’s _Republic_ and other systems.

_b_) Positive theory.

VII. MINOR PHILOSOPHERS, CONTEMPORARIES OR SUCCESSORS OR PLATO AND ARISTOTLE 125

1. The Academy, Speusippus, Xenocrates, Crantor.

2. Theophrastus.

3. _Economica_; the pseudo-Aristotelian _Economica_.

4. Cyrenaics: Aristippus; Bion.

5. Epicureans.

6. Cynics: Antisthenes; Diogenes; Crates.

7. Pseudo-Platonic _Eryxias_.

8. Teles.

9. Stoics: Zeno; Aristo; Cleanthes; Chrysippus; Plutarch.

10. Communistic tendencies after Aristotle.

VIII. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS ON THE IMPORTANCE AND INFLUENCE OR GREEK ECONOMICS 146

BIBLIOGRAPHY 151

INDEX 157