1) Summarize and discuss Adam Smith’s concept of the “pin factory” and how it relates to his ideas regarding the sole end and object of economic activity. In this context, be sure to discuss the nature of wealth for Smith and how his ideas differed from the Mercantilist theories that preceded him.
2) What is the Marxian concept of Alienation? Discuss the different types and their place in Marx’s critique of capitalism while addressing the ultimate mass psychological crisis that must result from our economic system. Relate your discussion to Camus and Kafka while also exploring how capitalism has engaged in self-preservation by rounding off its own offending edges. How does Marx’s work in 1844 serve as a foundation for his theories as presented in 1868. Be sure to discuss how profit is created.
3) Discuss the concept of comparative advantage and explore why David Ricardo embraces these concepts in his position against the Corn Laws. Use tables and graphs to illustrate how England and Portugal might trade wine and cloth AND how in the long term we must approach a stationary state as a result of capitalist expansion.
4) What are features of the “Enlightenment Tradition” and how does Smith embrace it? Why is Malthus rightly described by John Maynard Keynes as “The first great heretic” due to his rebellion against this tradition? Be sure to discuss the Essay on Population and the Theory of Gluts.
5) How are we, as a species, physically ill-suited to the natural world while also being psychologically ill-suited to one another? How do these two contradictions necessitate the existence of an economy? Discuss.
These are five essay questions, I would like an essay per question of approximately 3-5 pages each. I would appreciate if it were it be without repetition and great quality.
