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Physiocracy, guillotines and antisemitism? Did economics emulate the wrong Enlightenment?

In: A Modern Guide to Uneven Economic Development

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  • Andrea Saltelli
  • Erik S. Reinert

Abstract

We look at different narratives about the enlightenment, and at different national experiences, focusing on elements of the enlightenment that persist in modernity, and distinguishing what we consider 'good' from 'bad' experiences. The economics profession has taken on many elements of the French Enlightenment - including, for many, Physiocracy as the foundation for today's economics - but we argue here that there were different variants of enlightenment in different parts of Europe. Following a line of analysis from studies of science and technology, we revisit the dialectic opposing enlightenment to renaissance, and look at alternative histories of scientific development. We comment on the present weaponisation of the enlightenment to promote elements of a neoliberal agenda. We show how political or corporate actors make instrumental use of enlightenment ideals in present post-truth battles.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Saltelli & Erik S. Reinert, 2023. "Physiocracy, guillotines and antisemitism? Did economics emulate the wrong Enlightenment?," Chapters, in: Erik S. Reinert & Ingrid H. Kvangraven (ed.), A Modern Guide to Uneven Economic Development, chapter 9, pages 200-217, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:18717_9
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    Keywords

    Development Studies; Economics and Finance;

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