Sir Thomas More's Utopia: An overlooked economic classic. (4th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mangeloja, Esa; Ovaska, Tomi
• Is Part Of: Economic affairs. Volume 39:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2019-03-04
• Subjects: Common property -- economic systems -- institutions -- religion -- Sir Thomas More -- Utopia; B15 -- N30 -- P51 -- Z12; Great Britain -- Economic policy -- 1945-1964 -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Economic conditions -- 1945-1964 -- Periodicals; Economics -- Periodicals; 330.9
• DOI: 10.1111/ecaf.12326
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-0665

Abstract

Abstract: Sir Thomas More's Utopia, published in 1516, is a classic work of how to organise a society based on common property. With a unique mix of common property, institutions and sound economic insights, we argue that More built a framework for a society that could be viable in the long run. While the conditions that make Utopia work are quite restrictive, it does provide a sketch of a society where common property may not stifle long‐term development, but is associated with productive workers and people content with their lives.