Robert Leroux Book order

The thinking of Antoine-Augustin Cournot has inspired a growing literature in economy and epistemology, but as of yet, his sociological thought has not been explicitly discussed and contextualized within the discipline. From the 1850s to the end of the 1870s, Cournot contributed significantly to the history of French sociology, particularly in the development of one essential idea: that forms of knowledge are intimately linked to the progress of reason. Philosophy, therefore, becomes interested in the development of the sciences, evolving as they do from the process of rationalizing human societies. Cournot’s comparative-historical sociology, “rediscovered” especially by Gabriel Tarde in the 20th century, seeks to understand how a macro-sociological trend can depend on the aggregation of a host individual decisions and actions, or to discern a certain order out of apparent chaos.

Frédéric Bastiat, a prominent figure of 19th-century France, is examined through a comprehensive analysis that highlights his role in advocating for liberty and economic liberalism. His work, spanning from 1844 to 1850, reflects a vigorous defense against the rise of socialism and utopian ideals. The book delves into Bastiat's contributions to political economy, showcasing his enduring influence on liberal thought during a pivotal era in history.

1. The foundations of industrialism -- Joseph Droz -- Jean-Baptiste Say -- Benjamin Constant -- 2. Charles Comte and Charles Dunoyer : different takes on a shared path -- Le Censeur and its pitched battles -- The question of freedom of the press -- The problem of pauperism -- Comte and Dunoyer as students of Jean-Baptiste Say -- Comte, Dunoyer and industrialism -- 3. The foundations of political economy in France -- Making a political project scientifically respectable -- Charles Comte's theory of liberalism -- Reflections on method -- The critique of Rousseau -- Laws and progress -- The problem of slavery -- The question of property -- 4. Charles Dunoyer and the stages of liberty -- The need for an industrial regime -- The maturing of a body of work -- In defense of liberty -- For freedom in education -- The role of government -- The right of petition -- The issue of free trade -- 5. The revolution of 1848 -- The standpoint of Guizot -- The standpoint of Tocqueville -- Dunoyer and the critique of socialism -- Conclusion.