ECO428H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter Min: Physiocracy, Economics, Divine Providence
Document Summary
Min the history of ancient chinese economic thought. 82: natural order is foundation of physiocracy. French physiocracy came into effect under the same historic circumstances as in china. Chinese term for natural order roughly translates into physiocracy in french. Min argues french borrowed heavily from chinese thought: natural order as proposed by the physiocrats: Aims to reveal natural laws/universal rules that dominate human society: seems to come from traditional western concept, but also very similar to ancient. Chinese thought largely disseminated by western missionaries in china. 83: quesnay has high praise for china. "surpassed the most cultivated country in europe in an astonishing and admirable way" because it was founded on basis of natural laws, not the artificial laws of man: physiocrats relate natural order to theology. Relates to similar wording (heaven, celestial ruler) used in ancient chinese writings. Should follow will of god, believe in divine providence.
