The Idea of a Moral Economy: Gerard of Siena on Usury, Restitution, and Prescription

by Lawrin Armstrong

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Published: April 2016

Product Details

Imprint: University of Toronto Press

Series: Series: Toronto Studies in Medieval Law

Page Count: 344 Pages

Illustrations: 1 b&w illustration

Dimensions: 6.40 x 9.30

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344 Pages, 6.40 x 9.30 x 1.08 in, 1 b&w illustration

Hardcover

$89.00

ISBN: 9781442643222

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Description
Authors
Contents
Reviews
Subjects

The Idea of a Moral Economy is the first modern edition and English translation of three questions disputed at the University of Paris in 1330 by the theologian Gerard of Siena. The questions represent the most influential late medieval formulation of the natural law argument against usury and the illicit acquisition of property. Together they offer a particularly clear example of scholastic ideas about the nature and purpose of economic activity and the medieval concept of a moral economy.

In his introduction, editor Lawrin Armstrong discusses Gerard’s arguments and considers their significance both within the context of scholastic philosophy and law and as a critique of contemporary mainstream economics. His analysis demonstrates how Gerard’s work is not only a valuable source for understanding economic thought in pre-modern Europe, but also a fertile resource for scholars of law, economics, and philosophy in medieval Europe and beyond.

Lawrin Armstrong is a professor at the Center for Medieval Studies, cross-appointed to the Departments of History and Economics, at the University of Toronto.

Preface and Acknowledgements
Introduction
Abbreviations

Edition
Quaestio de usura
Tractatus de restitution
Quaestio de praescriptione

Translation
A Question on Usury
A Treatise on Restitution
A Question on Prescription

Bibliography

‘Larwin Armstrong is to be praised for providing us with a valuable scholarly edition of Gerard’s influential work.’
Stephen H. Rigby, Economic History Review vol 69:04:2016

‘This book is fabulously useful scholarly resource, as well as a provocative call which deserves to be widely read.’
H. Skoda, English Historical Review September 2017

‘To bring together in this way intellectual history and economic history is an admirable proposal and this translation a good point to start.’
Sybil M. Jack, Parergon vol 34:02:2017

"Lawrin Armstrong has provided a precise transcription and lucid translation of three texts by Gerard of Siena..."
James Davis, Queen's University Belfast, Speculum, Vol 94 no 3, July 2019

"In its direct, succinct, and very insightful way, The Idea of a Moral Economy makes a major contribution to the understanding of scholastic economic thought and the transmission of ideas in the Middle Ages more generally."
William Caferro, Department of History, Vanderbilt University

"Lawrin Armstrong's lucid translation offers access to Gerard's thought and to the radical differences between his 'medieval' notions and those of modern capitalism."
Christopher Schabel, Department of History and Archaeology, University of Cyprus

Economics

Law & Society / Legal History

Religious Studies / Theology

Medieval Studies