French Literature Reviews - 2026
É. Helmer, Oikonomia. Philosophie grecque de l’économie
Philosophy, Anthropology and Ideas
Étienne Helmer
Oikonomia. Philosophie grecque de l’économie
Paris, Classiques Garnier, coll. Kaïnon - Anthropologie de la pensée ancienne, 2021
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EAN: 9782406106715
200 pages
26 €
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Challenging a long-standing interpretive tradition, this book demonstrates that the rare philosophical texts of Classical Greece concerning oikonomia, or household management, are crucial for understanding the true nature of the economy.
The term oikonomia, from which the modern word economy derives, originally referred to the management of the household or estate in ancient Greek thought. While contemporary discourse often separates economic activity from moral or political philosophy, ancient thinkers frequently integrated these domains. Readers interested in the history of economic concepts and the evolution of political philosophy may find this examination of classical sources relevant to their research.
This work situates itself within the field of ancient philosophy by addressing the conceptualization of material life in Greece. The text examines philosophical texts concerning oikonomia, or household management, and considers their role in understanding the nature of the economy. By revisiting these sources, the author explores how the management of the household was perceived as a site of inquiry within ancient philosophical discourse.