Origins of Neoliberalism - Modeling the Economy From Jesus to Foucault

Dotan Leshem recasts the history of the West from an economic perspective, bringing politics, philosophy, and the economy closer together and revealing the significant role of Christian theology in shaping economic and political thought. He begins with early Christian treatment of economic knowledge and the effect of this interaction on ancient politics and philosophy. He then follows the secularization of the economy in liberal and neoliberal theory. Leshem draws on Hannah Arendt's history of politics and Michel Foucault's genealogy of economy and philosophy. He consults exegetical and apologetic tracts, homilies and eulogies, manuals and correspondence, and Church canons and creeds to trace the influence of the economy on Christian orthodoxy. Only by relocating the origins of modernity in Late Antiquity, Leshem argues, can we confront the full effect of the neoliberal marketized economy on contemporary societies. Then, he proposes, a new political philosophy that re-secularizes the economy will take shape and transform the human condition.

About the author

Dotan Leshem is senior lecturer in the department of government and political theory at the School of Political Sciences, University of Haifa.

Summary

Dotan Leshem reveals the role of Christian theology in shaping economic and political thought. Beginning with early Christianity engagement with economic knowledge, he follows the secularization of economics in liberal and neoliberal theory. Only by relocating the origins of modernity in late antiquity, Leshem argues, can we confront neoliberalism.

Report

"Dotan Leshem's important book makes a very powerful and original contribution to an increasingly significant discussion across different disciplines. Its consistency, erudition, and relevance for contemporary research into the 'theological' genealogy of economy and government is impressive indeed." Étienne Balibar, author of Violence and Civility: On the Limits of Political Philosophy

Product details

• Authors: Dotan Leshem, Leshem Dotan
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 22.08.2017
• EAN: 9780231177771
• ISBN: 978-0-231-17777-1
• No. of pages: 248
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > Miscellaneous; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political theories and the history of ideas; BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Economic History, POLITICAL SCIENCE / History & Theory, RELIGION / Religion, Politics & State, RELIGION / Christian Theology / General, RELIGION / Christianity / General, Theology, Christianity, Christian theology, Economic history, Political science & theory, Religion & politics, Religion and Politics, Political science and theory, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Religion, Politics & State