A Journey into the World of Frédéric Bastiat

This free course, led by me, invites you to dive into the world of Frédéric Bastiat, a French economist and philosopher whose ideas continue to influence contemporary economic thought. Through 21 videos, Damien Theillier explores Bastiat's life, his intellectual influences, his ideological opponents, as well as his economic theories.

GOAL: To gain a deep understanding of the life, influences, opponents, and economic theories of Frédéric Bastiat, a 19th-century French economist and thinker.

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The course begins with a detailed introduction to Bastiat's life and historical context, before examining the thinkers who marked his thought, such as Adam Smith, Jean-Baptiste Say, Antoine Destutt de Tracy, Charles Comte, Charles Dunoyer, and Richard Cobden. Then, the course looks at Bastiat's opponents, including Rousseau, classical education, protectionism, socialism, and Proudhon.

An important part of the course is dedicated to the economic sophisms denounced by Bastiat, such as "What is seen and what is not seen," "The petition of the candlemakers," plunder through taxation, and the distinction between the two economic morals. The course also addresses the economic harmonies advocated by Bastiat, including the miracle of the market, the power of responsibility, and true solidarity. F

inally, the course concludes with a reflection on "The Law," addressing key concepts like the right to property, legal plunder, and the role of the state. The conclusion of the course revisits the legacy of Frédéric Bastiat and his enduring influence on modern economics. Join me for free in this enriching exploration of Frédéric Bastiat's thought and discover how his ideas can illuminate current economic and political debates. Start the course

Curriculum

• Introduction
  Course Introduction
  The Life and Historical Context

• Influences
  Adam Smith and Jean-Baptiste Say
  Antoine Destutt de Tracy
  Charles Comte and Charles Dunoyer
  Cobden and the League

• The Opponents
  Rousseau
  Classical Education
  Protectionism and Socialism
  Proudhon

• Economic Sophisms
  What is Seen and What is Not Seen
  The petition of the candle makers
  Plunder through Taxation
  The Two Moralities

• Economic Harmonies
  The Miracle of the Market
  Freedom and responsibility are the key to the social problem
  The Power of Responsibility
  True and False Solidarity

• The Law
  The Right to Property
  Legal Plunder: A Perversion of the Law
  The Role of Law and the State

• Conclusion
  The Legacy of Frédéric Bastiat

   

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