The House is in a State

Table of Contents



Chapter 1

1. Introduction



1.1. The reception of Wolffian philosophy

1.2. Wolff's Oeconomica in the literary context

1.3. Research question and methodology



Chapter 2

2. The hallmarks of Wolffian philosophy



2.1. Introduction

2.2. Wolff's scientific method

2.2.1. Wolff's method in context

2.2.2. Demonstrative morality

2.3. Wolff's philosophical system

2.3.1. The concept of system in context

2.3.2. Wolff's system in practice

2.4. Wolff's natural law

2.4.1. Wolffian natural law in the historical context

2.4.2. Natural law as a theoretical foundation for moral philosophy



Chapter 3

3. A contextual reading of the Oeconomica methodo scientifica petractata

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Oeconomica - methodo scientifica pertractata

3.2.1. Truth, non-contradiction and household wisdom

3.2.2. A house built on sufficient reasons

3.2.3. Sources of knowledge in the Oeconomica - empirical, rational, practical

3.3. Oeconomica in the philosophical system

3.3.1. Crosspollination in the systema doctrinarum

3.3.2. The household as a structural liability

3.4. Natural law in the Oeconomica

3.4.1. A contractual reading of family life

3.4.2. Reconciling reason and religion

3.4.3. Natural law beyond the home turf

3.5. Summary



Chapter 4

4. Oeconomica, natural law and social welfare in the absolutist state

4.1. Introduction

4.2. The theoretical foundation of social welfare in Wolff's natural law

4.2.1. The contract as a legitimising fiction

4.2.2. Patrimonial welfare: moral duty with an ulterior motive

4.3. State education in philosophy

Antonia Karaisl von Karais, Warburg Institute, University of London (UK)