The Physiocrats: French Precursors to Classical Economics and Laissez Faire

Authors

Bradley K. Hobbs, Clemson University
Nikolai G. Wenzel, Fayetteville State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2022

Abstract

The eighteenth-century Physiocrats are widely considered to be precursors to classical economics, the French ninteenth-century Economistes, and contemporary free-market economics. They advocated free trade against mercantilism, and natural law against despotism. Although the Physiocrats also contributed to Walras and modern economic engineering, they fit squarely within the French (and world) liberal tradition.

Recommended Citation

Hobbs, Bradley K. and Wenzel, Nikolai G., "The Physiocrats: French Precursors to Classical Economics and Laissez Faire" (2022). College of Business and Economics. 329.
https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/college_business_economics/329