The work of E.F. Schumacher is addressed in the broad context of economic philosophy. His economics present a frontal attack on eo‐classical economics. He likewise rejects a Marxist analysis of society. And while he shares some of the concerns of the institutionalists, he nonetheless stands...

Economics was traditionally viewed as part of a wider study of human things, including ethics. It has drifted away from ethics despite the fact that ethical considerations inevitably form part of economics. After a brief introduction, the second section outlines the state of play in the...

Arising from a disenchantment with mainstream economics – a dissatisfaction that is widespread today – A Short History of Ethics and Economics sketches the emergence and decline of the ethical tradition of economics and the crisis of modern economics. In doing so, James Alvey focuses on four...

Lisa Hill has recently provided a new assessment of Adam Smith which attempts to reveal the 'hidden' theology which underpins his providential or 'optimistic' system of thought. Her interpretation breaks with the mainstream view of Smith as a follower of the secular, or atheistic, David Hume....

In recent times a "new, optimistic, theistic view" of Adam Smith has arisen, challenging the old view of Smith as a follower of the secular David Hume. In the "new view," Smith adopts two types of teleology: teleology immanent in the constitution and historical teleology. It is the latter type...

Purpose – In the Western world the voices calling for a secular society have grown ever louder over the last three centuries. This paper seeks to return to one of the founders of modernity for guidance. Adam Smith advocated globalization on economic and moral grounds....

Purpose – Economics was closely entwined with ethics up to the 1930s when this weakened subsequently. Amartya Sen first sketched this historical relationship in his book, On Ethics and Economics. This paper is in broad agreement with Sen. It aims to explore the ethical foundations of economics...