Purpose of the lecture series
DEPE lectures introduce novel ways of thinking about the history of political and economic thought. They situate political and economic thought in broader cultural, political and intellectual settings, hence going beyond standard canonical histories that have dominated these fields for too long. In addition, the DEPE lectures explore the possibilities of combining the study of history of political thought and the history of economic thought.
If you can't attend in person but want to follow the lecture remotely, please contact Ere Nokkala (ere.p.nokkala@jyu.fi) by 27th November 2024.
About the lecture
Antonio Genovesi (1713–1769) is sometimes regarded as one of the founders, if not the principal founder, of political economy. Franco Venturi’s approach has been very influential, viewing Genovesi as a reformist whose ideas reflect the Enlightenment ideals circulating in Naples during the eighteenth century. For John Robertson, Genovesi's political economy sought to develop Enlightenment ideas on society and improvement. Luigino Bruni on the other hand emphasises Genovesi’s contributions to a humanistic economy rooted in ethical principles and collective well-being, highlighting his influence on the tradition of Italian civil economy.
This paper examines Genovesi’s political economy, with a particular focus on his approach to crises. In Lezioni di Economia Civile (1765), Genovesi defines political economy not merely as a tool for prosperity but as a crucial mechanism ensuring stability and collective well-being, especially in times of crisis. For Genovesi, the true nature of political economy lies in its capacity to respond directly to crises—such as pandemics, natural disasters, and economic disruptions—as these events expose structural vulnerabilities and drive the need for innovative solutions and societal adaptation.
Central to Genovesi’s view is the concept of the State as a "political body" whose health relies on the harmonious interplay of its parts and its ability to address crises through policies founded on justice, social cohesion, and efficient resource management. He argues that political economy, far from merely being a work of administration, should be rooted in ethical and moral principles. In this vision, political economy fosters resilience and social cohesion, promoting the happiness and prosperity for all members of society.
I contend that Genovesi’s perspective on the nature of political economy—emphasising the response to crisis and the reinforcement of social structures—represents one of the earliest frameworks for an economy committed to sustainable development and social justice. His pioneering approach reveals an understanding of crises not merely as disruption, but as opportunities for humanity’s advancement.
About the lecturer
Adriana Luna-Fabritius is the Vice-President of European Society for History of Political Thought and Researcher at the University of Helsinki. She obtained her PhD from the European University Institute (Florence) in 2009. She studies early-modern languages of republicanism, natural law and political economy in the Spanish monarchy: Naples, Catalonia and New Spain. Her research is grounded on the transformation of imperialism through scientific, legal and political practices of its communicating networks. She is the co-editor of (Routledge, 2023) (open access).
Funded by the European Union (ERC, DEPE, 101088549). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
