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Corn, Cattle, Land and Labour: Physiocratic Ideas in the Wealth of Nations

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  • Christian Gehrke

    (University of Graz, Resowi Centre F4)

Abstract

This paper discusses the use Adam Smith made in the Wealth of Nations (WN) of physiocratic concepts and ideas. Notwithstanding his critique of the ‘Agricultural system’, Smith endorsed many distinctively physiocratic ideas and in his analyses of value and distribution, of the reproduction and accumulation of capital, and of development and growth adopted (and adapted) several physiocratic concepts. In particular, the paper argues that Smith adopted the ‘material expenses’ approach of the Physiocrats and sought to use it side by side with his tentative proposal of a labour-based approach to the theory of value, and draws attention to inconsistencies and tensions which arise from the simultaneous presence of the two different approaches to the theory of value in the WN. By adopting physiocratic ideas on the relationship between corn prices and money wages, Smith is also seen to have provided the key elements for David Ricardo’s ‘corn ratio reasoning’ in his early theory of profits.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Gehrke, 2024. "Corn, Cattle, Land and Labour: Physiocratic Ideas in the Wealth of Nations," Homo Oeconomicus: Journal of Behavioral and Institutional Economics, Springer, vol. 41(1), pages 67-90, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:homoec:v:41:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s41412-024-00148-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s41412-024-00148-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jean Cartelier, 2003. "Productive activities and the wealth of nations: some reasons for Quesnay's failure and Smith's success," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(3), pages 409-427.
    2. Christian Gehrke & Heinz D. Kurz, 2006. "Sraffa on von Bortkiewicz: Reconstructing the Classical Theory of Value and Distribution," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 38(1), pages 91-149, Spring.
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    Cited by:

    1. Heinz D. Kurz, 2024. "Adam Smith: Evolutionary Social Theorist ante litteram," Homo Oeconomicus: Journal of Behavioral and Institutional Economics, Springer, vol. 41(1), pages 123-152, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Adam Smith; François Quesnay; Corn; Rent; Theory of value;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B11 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Preclassical (Ancient, Medieval, Mercantilist, Physiocratic)
    • B12 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Classical (includes Adam Smith)
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • D46 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Value Theory

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