Essays on Classical and Marxian Political Economy: Collected Essays IV

Samuel Hollander's work has been provoking discussion and debate for over four decades. This book brings together some of his key work from recent years, in addition to some brand new pieces. The essays are brought together by an introductory chapter, in which Hollander offers new perspectives and reflections on his past work. This collection is particularly notable in bringing to the fore work that is of particular relevance to contemporary problems and debates. In particular, Hollander puts forward his interpretation of Adam Smith's (much contested) theory of economic policy, with special reference to his perception of the legitimate role of government in the economy. Important economists considered in relation to Adam Smith's position on the role of the state, particularly with respect to the adoption of new technology and economic development more generally, include Jeremy Bentham and the Scottish-Canadian John Rae. Similarly of high present-day interest is a reexamination of Karl Marx's theory of exploitation, or the notion of profits as "embezzlement". Other papers in the collection contribute to an ongoing heated scholarly debate regarding the character of nineteenth-century "classical" economics, including the relationship between David Ricardo and Thomas Robert Malthus and the validity of the common notion of the existence of two distinct schools of early nineteenth century economic thought, the British (or Ricardian) and the French under the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Say.