This book explores the deep meaning--the nature or essence--of the
economy and its fundamental components. As a monograph on the philosophy
of the economy and economics, it deduces the metaphysical nature of
these two, going step by step from more general to more specific
realities to finally arrive at the adequate features of the economic
sciences and their methods. It builds on a largely Aristotelian
approach, but also draws extensively from modern scholarship in the
area. Usefully and pertinently, the book covers both general aspects of
the economy and particular historically specific features. Among the
important topics covered in the book are the meanings of the economy,
the nature and role of economic agents, the nature of the macroeconomy,
the nature and role of money, and so on. The book concludes with
chapters on the nature of economics itself and its methodologies.