Malebranche revisité : l'économie naturelle des physiocrates

Abstract

Catherine Larrère : Malebranche revisited. The natural economy of the Physiocrats. This article aims, through a study of the links between Malebranche and Quesnay, at showing the originality of the Physiocrats' approach to the economy. Quesnay found in Malebranche' s naturel theology : firstly a formula for imputing evil which allowed him to charge the government with responsibility for the crisis ; secondly the general formula for the economy, namely the most advantageous natural order for men in society ; and finally a conception of the relationship of humans to nature which allowed him to understand how man can be part of a world that he has not made.