Author
Bernard Mandeville
1670-1733
Bernard Mandeville (1670-1733) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Bernard Mandeville
The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits
"The Fable of the Bees; Or, Private Vices, Public Benefits" by Bernard Mandeville is a philosophical work written in the early 18th century. The text explores the complex interplay between individual vices and the collective benefits they purportedly provide to society. Through allegorical storytelling, Mandeville examines moral values, questioning the conventional notions of virtue while illustrating how personal greed and selfishness can lead to a flourishing civilization. The opening of the work lays out Mandeville's critical view of social dynamics, using the metaphor of a bee hive to symbolize human society. He introduces the concept that the bees (representing people) thrive on both cooperation and vice, suggesting that even the most despised traits contribute to societal success. He critiques the apparent disconnect between the moral expectations of individuals and the economic realities that often require selfish behaviors for communal prosperity. Through this engaging metaphor, Mandeville sets the stage for a deeper inquiry into moral virtue and the nature of society.
Aesop Dress'd; Or, A Collection of Fables Writ in Familiar Verse
"Aesop Dress'd; Or, A Collection of Fables Writ in Familiar Verse" by Bernard Mandeville is a collection of fables written in verse, likely during the early 18th century. The work largely consists of translations of fables from the well-known French fabulist La Fontaine, along with two original fables by Mandeville himself. The fables draw on animal characters to convey moral lessons, exploring themes such as pride, vanity, and the consequences of one’s actions. The beginning of the collection presents a preface where Mandeville sets the stage for his work, addressing the reader directly and providing context for his fables. He notes his influences and intentions, emphasizing a straightforward style intended to be accessible and entertaining. The opening fables introduce various animal characters such as a Wolf, a Dog, and a Frog, alongside their humorous and pointed moral reflections that critique human nature and societal behaviors. Each fable illustrates a lesson in a light-hearted, yet thought-provoking manner, setting a tone for the rest of the collection.
An Enquiry into an Origin of Honour; and the Usefulness of Christianity in War
"An Enquiry into the Origin of Honour; and the Usefulness of Christianity in War" by Bernard Mandeville is a philosophical work likely written in the early 18th century. This treatise delves into the concept of honour's origins and its interplay with Christian ethics, particularly in the context of warfare. The book discusses various moral questions surrounding virtue, the significance of self-denial, and how these ideas are influenced by human society and governance. The opening of this work features a dialogue between two characters, Horatio and Cleomenes, who engage in an exploration of the nature of honour. Cleomenes proposes that honour is rooted in a unique human passion he terms "Self-liking," which drives human behavior and social dynamics. They discuss the distinction between honour and virtue, emphasizing how honour can sometimes lead to actions driven by pride rather than moral righteousness. The characters consider how honour not only serves to maintain social order but also how it has been shaped by historical and political contexts, resulting in its manipulation by institutions, particularly the Church. This initial discourse sets the stage for a broader inquiry into the implications of honour and the moral frameworks that govern human actions in both societal and military settings.
An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent Executions at Tyburn (1725)
"An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent Executions at Tyburn" by Bernard Mandeville is a critical pamphlet written in the early 18th century. It explores the social and legal implications surrounding the high rate of executions in London, particularly at Tyburn, questioning the effectiveness of these harsh penalties as a deterrent to crime. The work critiques not only the execution process itself but also the societal attitudes towards criminals and the flawed legal practices that facilitate crime and punishment. At the start of the treatise, Mandeville expresses his concern about the high number of executions due to theft and lesser crimes, lamenting that many condemned individuals face death for trivial offenses. He attributes this to systemic issues, such as "Theftbote," the practice of not prosecuting thieves, which he argues encourages criminal behavior. The opening introduces vivid scenes associated with execution day, detailing the infamous procession to Tyburn and the behavior of both the condemned and the spectators, indicating a shared societal indifference to the suffering of criminals. Mandeville's initial chapters establish a robust framework for discussions on potential reforms to criminal justice practices, aiming to provoke thought and action on an issue that affects society at large.
A Letter to Dion
"A Letter to Dion" by Bernard Mandeville is a philosophical treatise written in the early 18th century, specifically in 1732. The work is primarily a response to Bishop Berkeley's "Alciphron: or, the Minute Philosopher," wherein Mandeville defends his previous ideas expressed in "The Fable of the Bees." This letter addresses misinterpretations and accusations directed at him regarding his views on vice and morality, as well as the socio-economic implications of luxury and human behavior. The opening of "A Letter to Dion" establishes Mandeville’s intention to clarify and defend his position against critiques stemming from Berkeley's dialogues. In this initial segment, Mandeville articulates that his opponents have misunderstood the nature and purpose of his writings, which were misconstrued as promoting vice. He emphasizes that his arguments are intended to critique the societal views on moral conduct and the underlying vices that contribute to a thriving society. Rather than condoning immoral behavior, Mandeville asserts that acknowledging human flaws and societal complexities is essential for understanding human prosperity and governance. The discourse indicates that Mandeville seeks to engage in a rational examination of human nature, morality, and their impacts on societal structures.