Bøker av Thorstein Veblen

The origin of the concept of "conspicuous consumption."

"The Theory of Business Enterprise" is a seminal work by Thorstein Veblen, an American economist and sociologist. The book was first published in 1904 and is considered one of Veblen's most significant contributions to economic thought. In this work, Veblen explores the relationship between business practices and economic theory, offering a critical analysis of the capitalist system.Key aspects of "The Theory of Business Enterprise" include:Concept of Business Enterprise: Veblen examines the nature and functioning of business enterprises within a capitalist framework. He explores how these enterprises operate and exert influence on economic activities.Role of Industrial Evolution: Veblen considers the impact of industrial evolution on the economic structure. He discusses the transformation from a pre-industrial society to an industrial one and how this shift affects business dynamics.Institutions and Social Structure: The book emphasizes the role of institutions and social structures in shaping economic behavior. Veblen critiques the traditional neoclassical economic theories that neglect the sociological and institutional dimensions of economic activity.Conspicuous Consumption and Leisure Class: Veblen introduces concepts such as "conspicuous consumption" and the "leisure class" in this book, ideas that he had previously explored in his earlier work, "The Theory of the Leisure Class" (1899). These concepts highlight how social status and prestige influence economic behavior.Predatory Practices and Business Strategy: Veblen delves into the predatory practices of business and how competitive strategies can sometimes lead to wasteful and non-productive outcomes. He critiques the traditional view that business practices are solely driven by rational economic motives.Thorstein Veblen's writing is characterized by a witty and critical style. "The Theory of Business Enterprise" reflects his broader intellectual project of integrating economic analysis with sociological and institutional considerations. Veblen's work has influenced subsequent generations of economists and sociologists, contributing to the development of institutional economics and the understanding of the social aspects of economic systems.

The Place of Science in Modern Civilisation, and Other Essays, a classical book, has been considered essential throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

Veblen's classic position on social status is intertwined with his interest in economic class and the political prospects of that class. The Vested Interests is squarely in that tradition. It aims to show how and why a discrepancy has arisen between the accepted principles of law and custom that underlie the business enterprise and the efficient management of industry. He also speculates on the civil and political difficulties inspired by this discrepancy between business civilization, and the social order.Many of the essays in this collection originally appeared in Dial from October 1918 to January 1919. The Vested Interests includes: "The Instability of Knowledge and Belief," "The Stability of Law and Custom," "The State of the Industrial Arts," "Free Income," "The Vested Interests," "The Divine Rights of Nations," "Live and Let Live," and "The Vested Interests and the Common Man."In his new introduction, Irving Louis Horowitz discusses Veblen as an economist turned sociologist. He explores the dichotomies in Veblen's approach, describing it as radical in input and conservative in outcome. Veblen was analytical in design, but ideological in rhetoric. He was materialist in his economic analysis, but idealistic in his emphasis on law and custom as regulatory mechanisms of the management of society. Horowitz also describes the difficulties Veblen experienced in placing his steadfastly nineteenth century ideals in the context of 1920s America. This is the final volume in Transaction's series of the essential works of Thorstein Veblen. It will be of central interest to sociologists as well as economists, particularly those interested in the history of ideas.

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There is no system of economic theory more logical than that of Marx."The Socialist Economics of Karl Marx and His Followers" is a two parts essay giving a historical overview on Karl Marx's theories on socialism and the Marxism later developed by his followers. Also included in this volume is "Some Neglected Points in the Theory of Socialism", a bold essay linking the popularity of socialism with the decrease in relative wealth, and selected book reviews by Veblen.Thorstein Veblen was an American economist and social scientist who made important contributions to the study of economic institutions and the study of social class. He is best known for his book The Theory of the Leisure Class which introduced the term "conspicuous consumption".

In "The Higher Learning in America: A Memorandum on the Conduct of Universities by Business Men," Thorstein Veblen critically examines the interplay between higher education and capitalist influences in American society. Written in a unique blend of satirical prose and incisive social commentary, the book dissects the ways in which universities have adapted to serve the interests of corporate America, often at the expense of academic integrity and genuine scholarship. Veblen's keen observations reflect the educational climate of the early 20th century, highlighting the tension between the pursuit of knowledge and the compelling demands of commercialism, which shapes the direction of academic institutions and discourses within the academy. Thorstein Veblen, an economist and sociologist, was a pioneering figure known for his critical perspective on capitalism and its cultural impact. His formative experiences in the rapidly industrializing United States imbued him with a deep skepticism toward the business class's encroachment into educational realms. Veblen's analysis in this work draws upon his broader theories, including conspicuous consumption and social stratification, suggesting a compelling critique of the commodification of educational practices. Readers seeking to understand the complex relationship between business and academia will find Veblen's work not only enlightening but also prescient in its relevance to contemporary discussions about the role of universities. This text invites reflection on the purpose of higher education and positions itself as an essential read for those interested in the ideological underpinnings that continue to shape American universities today.

Originally published in 1899, this is a work by Thorstein Veblen, an American economist and sociologist. It is an article written for the American Journal of Sociology publication outlining some of his theories on work. We are republishing this work with a brand new introductory biography of the author with the aim of placing it in the context of his other writings and achievements. The following passage is an extract from the article:'It is one of the commonplaces of the received economic theory that work is irksome. Many a discussion proceeds on this axiom that, so far as regards economic matters, men desire above all things to get the goods produced by labor and to avoid the labor by which the goods are produced. In a general way the common-sense opinion is well in accord with current theory on this head. According to the common-sense-ideal, the economic beatitude lies in an unrestrained consumption of goods, without work; whereas the perfect economic affliction is unremunerated labor. Man instinctively revolts at effort that goes to supply the means of life'