Historia Económica General

Video Title

Historia Económica General

Presenter

Rosaura Guerra, Central University of Venezuela

Main Concepts

• Definition of General economic history

  General economic history studies past events related to economics, focusing on the evolution of economic activities from the beginning of human existence to the present.

• Concept of History

  History is defined as a social phenomenon, encompassing events of the past that are political, social, economic, cultural, or technological in nature. It also functions as a discipline of knowledge, relying on research and concrete data to establish historical narratives.

• Concept of Economy

  The economy is viewed as a social phenomenon that involves the production of means necessary for human survival (food, shelter, clothing). As a discipline of knowledge, economics seeks to theorize and establish principles governing production, distribution, and consumption.

• Historical Milestones

  The appearance of writing marks the beginning of recorded history, while economic activities date back to prehistoric times with hunter-gatherer societies. The first significant economic text, "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith, is noted as a foundational work in the field of economics.

Methodology

The course will focus on the evolution of economic systems, starting from the feudal system as a precursor to capitalism, which will be explored in future classes. The approach emphasizes the importance of understanding recent economic forms, particularly capitalism, rather than delving into ancient economic practices.

Conclusion

The study of general economic history is extensive, but the focus will be on the development and implications of capitalism in modern society.