A person does not really read Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary (1764)--or at least I don't --but instead surfs through it from time to time, trying to hit some of the high spots. Here are a couple of comments for reflection on a summer's day, from the 1901 translation by William Fleming. In the entry under "Presbyterian,"

Conversable Economist

21.08.2025

In Praise of Editors - Conversable Economist

As someone who has spent nearly 40 years working as an editor, I'm of course continually on the lookout for statements that praise editors. I know, I know--you'd think it would be easy to find examples of such a widely held sentiment. But it's harder than you might think. However, in the 100th anniversary issue

Conversable Economist

22.08.2025

Some Economics of Leasing Antiquities - Conversable Economist

Here's the economic problem of antiquities: All over the world, there are historical artifacts buried under land or submerged underwater, or both. Also, there are museums and rich collectors all around the world who would like to possess these antiquities. But of course, the situatin here is more complex than basic supply and demand. Antiquities

Conversable Economist

22.08.2025

Does the Invisible Hand Work For Honor, Too? A Thought from Montesquieu - Conversable Economist

One of the prevailing ideas that philosophers were trying out in the 17th and 18th century was that the line between personal interest and social good was not always clear-cut. Indeed, there were cases in which pursuit of personal interest was also of benefit to society as a whole. Here's an example from Montesquieu in

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Voltaire on the Civility of Markets - Conversable Economist

In Praise of Editors - Conversable Economist

Some Economics of Leasing Antiquities - Conversable Economist

Does the Invisible Hand Work For Honor, Too? A Thought from Montesquieu - Conversable Economist

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