The Acquisitive Society by R. H. Tawney
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"The Acquisitive Society" by R. H. Tawney is a critical sociopolitical text written in the early 20th century. The book examines the implications of a society structured around the principles of individual rights and economic acquisition, arguing that such an organization can lead to social and moral decay. Tawney explores the separation of property from function, underscoring the need for a social framework that emphasizes communal obligations rather than mere profit. The
opening of the text delves into the mindset of English society, which is described as practically energetic yet lacking in theoretical reflection. Tawney emphasizes the importance of assessing the moral basis of economic activities, positing that societies must re-evaluate their values and institutions, especially in times of crisis. He warns against a blind adherence to the status quo, promoting the idea that the rights of individuals must align with their responsibilities to the community, and that productive functions should take precedence over mere wealth acquisition. Overall, the early sections establish a foundation for the book's broader critique of materialism and individualism in the wake of industrialization. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Tawney, R. H. (Richard Henry), 1880-1962 |
|---|---|
| LoC No. | 20021421 |
| Title | The Acquisitive Society |
| Credits | Produced by Al Haines |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 38.6 (College-level). Difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | HB: Social sciences: Economic theory, Demography |
| Subject | Social problems |
| Subject | Economics |
| Subject | Industries |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 33741 |
| Release Date | Sep 16, 2010 |
| Last Update | Jan 7, 2021 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 919 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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