Discussion Post
• What economic problems were the mercantilists interested in solving and for whose benefit? How do those compare with the problems addressed by the Scholastics? Was foreign trade a "win-win" proposition for both nations involved in exchange?
• Why did the early mercantilists oppose the exporting of gold bullion? What was Mun's argument in favor of it?
• How did Mandiville's argue that that self love (in the form of greed) is what caused a society to flourish? Can you find a problem with this argument? What was Adam Smith's reaction to Mandiville's ideas?
• According to Sedlacek, how is Smith's concept of self interest consistent with his previous argument that "sympathy" is the foundation of a moral society?
The response should include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.