Four Introductory Lectures on Political Economy

A scholarly work that focuses on the principles and foundations of political economy, written in the mid-19th century. The lectures, delivered at the University of Oxford, aim to explore the nature of wealth, its production, distribution, and various economic principles that are essential for understanding government and society. Through historical references and theoretical analysis, the text attempts to clarify the role of economics in public policy and governance. The opening of the work presents an examination of the underpinnings of political economy, highlighting its relatively recent emergence as a distinct discipline. Senior discusses the contributions of key figures like M. Quesnay and Adam Smith, noting their impact on shaping economic thought. He emphasizes that while there has been significant discussion surrounding economic theories, the field itself remains underdeveloped. Senior portrays political economy as both a scientific study of wealth and an art that informs policies to enhance societal welfare, thereby setting the stage for a deeper exploration of economic principles in the subsequent lectures.