Bernard Mandeville

著者について

Bernard Mandeville was a Dutch philosopher and political economist best known for his work 'The Fable of the Bees.' Born in Rotterdam in 1670, Mandeville moved to England where he became a prominent figure in the early 18th-century intellectual landscape. His controversial ideas challenged the prevailing moral standards of his time, suggesting that private vices could lead to public benefits, which stirred considerable debate and controversy.

Mandeville's writings emphasized the role of self-interest in economic activity and the complexities of human behavior, laying groundwork for later economic thought. His works, particularly 'The Fable of the Bees,' blended poetry and philosophy, offering insights into the nature of society and the mechanisms of wealth creation. Despite facing criticism, Mandeville's ideas influenced various thinkers and continue to resonate in discussions of economics and morality today.