Lesson 1: The Meaning of Political Economy
Please read the Introduction and Part I, Chapters 1 - 7

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1. In George's view, why is it particularly difficult for political economy to achieve commonly accepted answers to its most basic questions?   (Intro) 

2. a) Why is terminology of particular importance in political economy?   (Intro) 

    b) Give examples of terms that differ in meaning in common speech and in political economy.   (Intro) 

3. Name and define the three factors which constitute the universe.   (Part I, Chapter 1) 

4. Explain the difference between body economic and body politic. Why does George say the "body economic" comes first?   (Part I, Chapter 2) 

5. What is civilization?   (Part I, Chapter 3) 

6. According to George, what is the most important distinction between human beings and other animals?   (Part I, Chapter 4) 

7. Why does George view knowledge to be more important than skill to the development of civilization? Do you agree?   (Part I, Chapter 5)  and  "Knowledge and Skill" 

8. Give an example of misunderstanding that is caused by the confusion of sequence and consequence.   (Part I, Chapter 6) 

9. What is a "law of nature"? Give two or more examples.   (Part I, Chapter 6) 

10. What makes political economy a science?   (Part I, Chapter 7) 

11. In political economy, why is it especially important to distinguish between natural law and human law?   (Part I, Chapter 7)