On the Economy of Specialization and Division of Labour in Plato's Republic
Anna Greco, Ph.D.
University of Guelph
Date: Monday, February 2, 2009
Time: 5:00 - 6:00pm
Place: Speech Arts, Room 151
Abstract: This essay takes issue with the common interpretation of Book II of Plato's Republic as anticipating the modern theory of division of labour, as first promoted by Adam Smith. I argue that, far from anticipating Adam Smith, Plato developed original reflections which, though naturally shaped by the economic reality of his time, reveal a concern for fundamental issues of economic thought; the value of labour, the nature of economic interdependence in a political association, the relation between economic behavior and justice. However, I also show that , despite having recognized some of the fundamental forces behind human economic behavior, Plato ends up with an envisioned ideal state in which those forces are given no scope, for he makes no room for economic competitiveness and technological advancement.
For more information contact Ruth Aparicio, Department of Philosophy at 559-278-2621
559-278-6484 (fax)
Friday, January 30, 2009
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