Oikos Nomos. Politics and Economics in Ancient Thought

Engaging with classical philosophical thought, the essays collected in this volume examine the multifaceted implications of the Greek concept of oikonomia (οἰκονομία). While approaching the subject from diverse theoretical perspectives, the contributions collectively present a nuanced understanding of the ancient economy – one that transcends a simple notion of “practice,” as a system for producing, distributing, and consuming goods for survival, or “science,” as a domain of knowledge internally governed by predictable laws. For Greek philosophers, the economy is instead a phenomenon deeply rooted in human action, being inseparable from careful ethical and political reflection. In this way, the book provides a valuable opportunity to revisit classical themes that continue to hold relevance and significance today.