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The “Vanity of the Philosopher”: Analytical Egalitarianism, Associationist Psychology, and Eugenic Remaking?

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  • Andrew Farrant

Abstract

. These comments explore the relationship between analytical egalitarianism, race‐blind theorizing, and associationist psychology. Associationist psychology, though making an implicit appearance in Vanity, was central to the egalitarian analysis provided by James Mill and John Stuart Mill. Indeed, associationist considerations lay at the heart of Mill's race‐blind analysis of cottier tenure, and his exchange with Thomas Carlyle over the “Negro Question.” These comments also note some intriguing comparisons between the debate over eugenics and the debate over socialist calculation.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Farrant, 2008. "The “Vanity of the Philosopher”: Analytical Egalitarianism, Associationist Psychology, and Eugenic Remaking?," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 67(3), pages 415-428, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajecsc:v:67:y:2008:i:3:p:415-428
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1536-7150.2008.00580.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hayek, F. A., 1997. "Socialism and War," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 1, number 9780226320588 edited by Caldwell, Bruce.
    2. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226320625 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Thomas C. Leonard, 2005. "Retrospectives: Eugenics and Economics in the Progressive Era," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 19(4), pages 207-224, Fall.
    4. Levy, David M, 1990. "The Bias in Centrally Planned Prices," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 67(3), pages 213-226, December.
    5. Levy, David M., 2001. "How the Dismal Science Got its Name: Debating Racial Quackery," Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Cambridge University Press, vol. 23(1), pages 5-35, March.
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