Publisher's Synopsis
Remarks Upon A Late Book, Entitled The Fable Of The Bees: Or Private Vices, Public Benefits In Letter To The Author (1726) is a critical analysis written by William Law. The book is a response to the popular satirical poem, The Fable of the Bees, written by Bernard Mandeville. Mandeville's poem had been widely read and discussed, and Law felt compelled to offer his own thoughts on the subject.In his analysis, Law argues that Mandeville's poem promotes a dangerous idea - that private vices can lead to public benefits. Law believes that this idea is fundamentally flawed and that it goes against the principles of morality and ethics. He argues that true public benefits can only come from virtuous actions and that promoting vice as a means to an end is both misguided and dangerous.Throughout the book, Law offers a detailed critique of Mandeville's poem, pointing out its logical inconsistencies and moral failings. He also offers his own vision of a society based on virtue and morality, one in which individuals work for the common good rather than pursuing their own selfish interests.Overall, Remarks Upon A Late Book, Entitled The Fable Of The Bees: Or Private Vices, Public Benefits In Letter To The Author is a thought-provoking and insightful analysis of one of the most influential works of the 18th century. It offers a powerful critique of the idea that vice can lead to virtue and argues for a society based on the principles of morality and ethics.To Which Is Added, A Postscript, Containing An Observation Or Two Upon Mr. Bayle.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
