Œuvres Complètes de Frédéric Bastiat, tome 4

mises en ordre, revues et annotées d'après les manuscrits de l'auteur

Edited by Prosper Paillottet

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"Œuvres Complètes de Frédéric Bastiat, tome 4" by Frédéric Bastiat is a collection of economic essays and pamphlets written in the mid-19th century. This volume focuses particularly on the topic of economic sophisms, where Bastiat confronts and dismantles common fallacies surrounding protectionism and advocates for free trade and economic freedom. The text serves as both a critique of contemporary economic policies and a foundational work for the principles of classical liberal economics. The opening of the work presents Bastiat's intent to refute arguments against free trade and to clarify misconceptions around economic principles, particularly those related to abundance and scarcity. He highlights the popular belief that scarcity leads to prosperity while arguing that true wealth comes from abundance. Bastiat explores the notion of economic obstacles, asserting that while industries might profit from restrictions, they ultimately harm consumers and society by limiting overall welfare and accessibility to goods. He aims to provide a clear understanding of these economic principles for legislators and the public, driving home the message that protectionist policies do more harm than good.

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