On the Principles of Political Economy, and Taxation

A scientific publication written in the early 19th century. This work is foundational in the field of economics, exploring the concepts of value, rent, wages, and profit among others, and aiming to uncover the laws governing the distribution of wealth in society. Ricardo engages with and critiques the ideas of previous economic theorists, particularly addressing the principles of rent and wages that affect the relationships between different classes in society. The opening of the text begins with a preface where Ricardo outlines the necessity of understanding the distribution of produce from land and the roles of different societal classes—landowners, capitalists, and laborers—in this economic framework. He emphasizes the impact of land fertility and population density on the distribution of wealth and presents the central argument that variations in rent and wages arise from differing levels of agricultural productivity and accumulated capital. This foundation sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of value and price, as well as the intrinsic link between labor, capital, and the dynamics of political economy.