Chapter 7 Sir William Petty, Ireland, and the Making of a Political Economist, 1653â87
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Abstract
This paper offers a reassessment of the origins and derivation of many of the economic ideas of Sir William Petty (1623â87) based on an analysis of his unpublished papers. Pettyâs archive makes clear what a large part Ireland played in his writings, and it is suggested that this preoccupation is essential to an appreciation of him as a social scientist. It also demonstrates the point that Petty was not principally a theorist but rather a practical political economist whose schemes for the enrichment of the kingâs dominions were inspired by the underdevelopment which he experienced at first hand in Ireland. The ways in which Petty collected, analysed and presented information are illustrated and the originality of his contribution to economic thought is emphasised.