Thorstein Bunde Veblen fu un economista e sociologo norvegese-americano, celebre come arguto critico del capitalismo. È noto per il concetto di "consumo vistoso", insieme al "tempo libero vistoso", come mezzi per dimostrare ricchezza e status sociale. Veblen è considerato un leader del movimento dell'economia istituzionale, e la sua distinzione tra "istituzioni" e "tecnologia" è nota come dicotomia vebleniana. Come intellettuale di spicco dell'Era Progressista, Veblen criticò la produzione a scopo di lucro, e le sue idee influenzarono significativamente i pensatori socialisti alla ricerca di critiche non marxiste del capitalismo.
Thorstein Veblen's incisive critique of modern business and its values showcases his sharp intellect and satirical humor, making him a significant figure in economic thought. His insights remain relevant, offering a profound analysis of the complexities of business civilization and societal values. Veblen's work encourages readers to reflect on the implications of capitalism and consumer culture, highlighting the enduring impact of his ideas on contemporary discussions about economics and society.
Focusing on the interplay between science and society, Veblen explores how Western culture uniquely prioritizes scientific understanding, particularly within Christian contexts. He questions the implications of this obsession with empirical facts, pondering the potential neglect of art and other vital aspects of life. By analyzing the origins and consequences of this "cult of science," Veblen invites readers to reflect on the balance between knowledge and the broader human experience.
The book is organized into three distinct sections: Essays in Economics, which explores economic theories and their implications; Miscellaneous Papers, offering a variety of topics and perspectives; and War Essays, which delves into the complexities and consequences of war. Each section provides insightful analysis and reflections on contemporary issues, making it a comprehensive examination of societal changes and challenges.
This 1899 article by Thorstein Veblen, an influential American economist and sociologist, presents his economic theories in a format intended for the American Journal of Sociology. The republished edition includes a new introductory biography that contextualizes Veblen's work within his broader contributions to economics and sociology, enhancing readers' understanding of his significance in these fields.
The scholarly edition of Veblen's classic offers a comprehensive exploration of American higher education, highlighting its historical context and relevance. Teichgraeber's extensive introduction examines the book's composition, publishing history, and Veblen's influences from earlier critics. This edition is thoroughly edited, annotated, and indexed, making it an essential resource for understanding ongoing debates surrounding the American university system.
Although initiated before the U.S. entered World War I, this work primarily examines the cultural divergences between English-speaking and German-speaking peoples and their economic and social consequences. Initially suppressed by war censors, it was released post-war and has since become a significant contribution to economics and sociology. The insights within remain relevant today. Charles A. Beard remarked that the author wrote for the ages, placing this work alongside his renowned Theory of Business Enterprise. Wesley C. Mitchell noted that the underlying factors contributing to Germany's efficiency persisted even under the Nazi regime, suggesting that past forecasts may still hold true. Lewis Mumford described the work as the best depiction of the residual barbarisms in German civilization, highlighting the roots of Nazism. This new edition features a compelling opening essay by Otto G. Mayer, a director at a prominent German think tank and editor of an English-language journal. Mayer's commentary not only reflects on the original work but also addresses the historical context of the German economy and society, reinforcing the belief that this book remains "a treasure chest of knowledge."
The book offers a profound analysis of the university system in America, providing insights that were groundbreaking at the time of its 1904 publication. It explores the structure, purpose, and impact of higher education, making it a significant work for those interested in educational reform and the evolution of academic institutions. Its reflective nature has earned it recognition among scholars and educators as a pivotal study in understanding American higher learning.
Exploring the interplay between industrial practices and cultural institutions, this work delves into how technological use shapes civilization while also being influenced by social conventions. It adopts a materialistic perspective grounded in modern science, addressing the relationship between industrial arts and cultural development. The author, Thorstein Veblen, renowned for critiquing capitalism and introducing concepts like "conspicuous consumption," contributes significantly to institutional economics, emphasizing the distinction between institutions and technology.
The book explores the ideas of Thorstein Veblen, a prominent early 20th-century economist and sociologist known for his concept of "conspicuous consumption." In this 1921 work, he predicts the emergence of scientists and technologists as significant economic forces, highlighting their potential impact on society and the economy. Veblen's insights delve into the intersection of economics, technology, and social behavior, offering a forward-thinking perspective on the evolving roles of these professionals in shaping modern economic landscapes.
Veblen's study indicts the nineteenth-century socio-economic system which based class status on the accumulation of material wealth. More than a century after its original publication, his work still is of surprisingly high relevance, since it casts an astonishingly contemporary and often very satirical eye on American economics and society. Originally released in 1899, „The Theory of the Leisure Class“ is considered as the first detailed critique of consumerism.
