Civil economy

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This volume serves a dual purpose. It follows the Italian tradition of thought from the 15th and 16th centuries, known as Civic Humanism, through to the Enlightenment, particularly in Milan and Naples. Its key contribution to economic thought is the view of the market as a space grounded in reciprocity and civil virtues. The book explores the reasons behind the civil approach to economics fading from cultural and scientific discussions by the end of the 18th century, only to re-emerge in contemporary discourse. Additionally, it offers a fresh perspective on economic reality, framing civil economy as a cultural lens through which to interpret economic discussions. If theory is seen as a viewpoint on reality, this cultural perspective can underpin a diverse economic theory. The essence of this diversity lies in integrating three fundamental principles of social order: the exchange of equivalents, redistribution, and reciprocity. While the book draws on historical economic ideas, it emphasizes present-day relevance, seeking to provide meaningful insights into the challenges posed by globalization.