Bernard Mandeville

The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits (eBook, ePUB)

Exploring Self-Interest and Societal Progress in the Enlightenment Era

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

Bernard Mandeville's 'The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits' is a thought-provoking and controversial piece of literature that delves into the interconnectedness of individual selfish pursuits and the overall well-being of society. Originally published in 1714, this philosophical work employs a unique fable-style narrative to explore the idea that private vices can lead to public benefits, challenging traditional moral and ethical beliefs. Mandeville's satirical and engaging writing style encourages readers to question societal norms and values, making it a compelling read for those interested in philosophy and moral theory in the Enlightenment era. The book's complex ideas and themes make it an important piece of literature in understanding the intellectual climate of the time. Bernard Mandeville, a Dutch-born philosopher and political economist, was known for his controversial views on morality and self-interest. His background in medicine and philosophy likely influenced his unconventional perspective on the relationship between individual behavior and societal progress, which is evident in 'The Fable of the Bees'. Mandeville's bold and provocative writing style reflects his willingness to challenge established beliefs and provoke critical thinking among his readers. I highly recommend 'The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits' to readers interested in exploring the intersection of self-interest and the common good. Mandeville's insightful and thought-provoking examination of human nature and societal dynamics continues to spark debate and discussion, making this book a timeless and relevant read for those looking to delve into the complexities of moral philosophy.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 640
• Erscheinungstermin: 21. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664648143
• Artikelnr.: 58499350

Autorenporträt

Bernard Mandeville, a philosopher, political economist, and satirist, was born in 1670 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He relocated to England, where he practiced as a physician and gained notoriety with his publication 'The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits' in 1714. Mandeville's magnum opus featured the poem 'The Grumbling Hive,' which he had published earlier in 1705, serving as an allegory that controversially argued for the paradox that a society's economic prosperity was fueled by individual self-interest and vices. His work gave impetus to discussions on morality, economic theory, and the interplay between individual actions and collective welfare. Mandeville's ideas ran counter to the prevailing moral philosophies of his day, indirectly challenging thinkers like Locke and Rousseau by suggesting that actions deemed as vice, such as greed and vanity, could lead to beneficial outcomes for society, thus laying the groundwork for what would become the field of classical economics. His writings sparked fervent debates about the role of morality in economics and greatly influenced later economists, including Adam Smith. Mandeville's provocative thesis that private vices yield public benefits made him one of the most discussed authors of his time. Though his ideas were initially received with repugnance due to their cynicism towards human virtues, they have since received scholarly attention for their early exploration of the unintended consequences of self-interested behavior. Mandeville passed away in 1733, leaving behind a legacy that continues to provoke thought concerning the complexities of vice and virtue in the fabric of society.