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Léon Walras on Human Nature and His Social Reform Plan

In: A Genealogy of Self-Interest in Economics

Author

Listed:
  • Satoshi Takahashi

    (Meiji University)

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to clarify the relationship between Léon Walras’ notion of human nature and his reform policies toward a unique socialism. First, he divides human nature into physiologic nature and psychologic nature. Concerning the self-love included in the latter, he distinguishes egoistic self-love from that of self-preservation. Then, he deduces from human nature, four social categories: Industry, Mores, Science, and Art, and two economic agents: the individual and the State. The reform policies in the category of Mores are composed of the nationalization of land and the abolition of taxes, and those in that of Industry are composed of state interventions to provide public goods like education and anti-monopoly policies to maintain free competition. Finally, Walras expects egoistic self-love, along with the private landownership and monopoly to disappear when his reform policies are instituted.

Suggested Citation

  • Satoshi Takahashi, 2021. "Léon Walras on Human Nature and His Social Reform Plan," Springer Books, in: Susumu Egashira & Masanori Taishido & D. Wade Hands & Uskali Mäki (ed.), A Genealogy of Self-Interest in Economics, pages 107-123, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-981-15-9395-6_7
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-9395-6_7
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