Since the early 20th century, economics has been the dominant discourse in English-speaking countries, displacing Christian theology from its previous position of authority. This path-breaking book is a major contribution to the interdisciplinary dialogue between economics and religion.
Oslington tells the story of natural theology shaping political economy in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasising continuing significance of theological issues for the discipline of economics. Early political economists such as Adam Smith, Josiah Tucker, Edmund Burke, William Paley, TR Malthus, Richard Whately, JB Sumner, Thomas Chalmers and William Whewell, extended the British scientific natural theology tradition of Francis Bacon, Robert Boyle and Isaac Newton to the social world. This extension nourished and shaped political economy as a discipline, influencing its theoretical framework, but perhaps more importantly helping legitimate political economy in the British universities and public policy circles. Educating the public in the principles of political economy had a central place in this religiously driven program. Natural theology also created tensions (especially reconciling economic suffering with divine goodness and power) that eventually contributed to its demise and the separation of economics from theology in mid-19th-century Britain. This volume highlights aspects of the story that are neglected in standard histories of economics, histories of science and contemporary theology.
Political Economy as Natural Theology is essential reading for all concerned with the origins of economics, the meaning and purpose of economic activity and the role of religion in contemporary policy debates.
By:
Paul Oslington
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9780367865023
ISBN 10: 0367865025
Series: Routledge Frontiers of Political Economy
Pages: 164
Publication Date: 12 December 2019
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Further / Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
1 Introduction 2 Natural Theology: Philosophical and Historical Issues Introduction Natural theology and scripture Varieties of natural theology The British tradition of scientific natural theology Natural theology, creation and providence Natural theology and theodicy Conclusion 3 Early English Theological Roots of Political Economy Introduction Joseph Butler (1692–1752) Josiah Tucker (1713–99) William Paley (1743–1805) Edmund Burke (1729–97) Conclusion 4 Adam Smith as Natural Theologian Introduction Adam Smith’s religious background Adam Smith's invisible hand Adam Smith’s theodicy The future hope, nature and justice in Smith’s system. Conclusion 5 Natural Theology and the Emergence of Political Economy: Stewart, Malthus, Sumner and Chalmers Introduction Further Scottish background: Dugald Stewart Malthus' Principle of Population and its theodicy Development of Malthus’ theodicy by JB Sumner Malthus’ Scottish disciple Thomas Chalmers Conclusion 6 Progress and Tension: Richard Whately and William Whewell Introduction Political Economy at Oxford: Nassau Senior and the responses by Richard Whately and JH Newman Richard Whately Political Economy at Cambridge: Richard Jones and William Whewell Conclusion 7 The Demise of Natural Theology and Separation of Economics from Theology Introduction Explaining the separation of economics from theology Explaining the demise of natural theology The demise of natural theolog
Paul Oslington is Professor of Economics and Dean of Business at Alphacrucis College in Sydney, Australia. He previously held a joint appointment as Professor in the Schools of Business and Theology at Australian Catholic University, and before that Associate Professor of Economics at the University of New South Wales, along with visiting positions at the University of Oxford, University of British Columbia, Regent College Vancouver and Princeton Theological Seminary and University. He is also an honorary Research Professor at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Canberra.
Reviews for Political Economy as Natural Theology: Smith, Malthus and Their Followers
"'Oslington’s work adds clarity to the ongoing battle among intellectual historians for the right to narrate the history of economic thought. In a world where economic principles are often endowed with ‘natural’ authority, people on both ends of the economic spectrum have something to gain by claiming thinkers such as Adam Smith as their intellectual ancestors. As an expert in the ongoing dialogue between economics and Christian theology, Oslington is uniquely placed to explore this foundational period of economic tradition.' Kathryn D. Blanchard, Alma College ""The last two decades have seen a notable “turn to religion,” as it has been called in a variety of academic disciplines, including economics. Part of this movement is increased attention to the relationship between economics and religion, and particu>larly theology, from a historical perspective. Paul Oslington’s work on theology and economics, including an earlier edited volume (Adam Smith as Theologian), stands at the forefront of this revisionist program, which aims both to more properly ground historical understandings of the origins of political economy as well as to use that grounding as a way to begin to reconcile—if not reunite—theology and political economy."" —Jordan J. Ballor, HOPE reviews"
