Value and Knowledge: The Philosophy of Economy in Classical Antiquity

This volume looks at the ancient Greek economy. Of particular importance, is how the economic structure of this society could allow enough of a surplus to enable artistic endeavour. Contents: The Platonic credit economy and fiat money: Money as token of credit in exchange; Aristotle's individualistic foundation of political society: Self-interest and utility. The state as means for individual excellence; The theory of merit, status and property (Aristotle). Social and legal justice: Weighted and unweighted equality in dealings; The utility theory of value and money (Aristotle). Economic justice: Inversely weighted equality in quantity according to merit; Knowledge as the ultimate asset of power; Knowledge as the ultimate asset of wealth: The knowledge theory of value; Appendices.