The bestselling classic that examines the history of economic thought
from Adam Smith to Karl Marx--"all the economic lore most general
readers conceivably could want to know, served up with a flourish" (The
New York Times).
The Worldly Philosophers not only enables us to see more deeply into
our history but helps us better understand our own times. In this
seventh edition, Robert L. Heilbroner provides a new theme that connects
thinkers as diverse as Adam Smith and Karl Marx. The theme is the common
focus of their highly varied ideas--namely, the search to understand how
a capitalist society works. It is a focus never more needed than in this
age of confusing economic headlines.
In a bold new concluding chapter entitled "The End of the Worldly
Philosophy?" Heilbroner reminds us that the word "end" refers to both
the purpose and limits of economics. This chapter conveys a concern that
today's increasingly "scientific" economics may overlook fundamental
social and political issues that are central to economics. Thus, unlike
its predecessors, this new edition provides not just an indispensable
illumination of our past but a call to action for our future.