Thorstein Veblen published Theory of the Leisure Class in 1899. The book quickly earned him the reputation as the classic social theorist of leisure. Veblen’s argument for the leisure class is both straightforward and innovative. In this book, the reader will come across different terms that Veblen uses to criticize contemporary economic institutions and theorists. Primarily, they include conspicuous leisure, pecuniary emulation, and conspicuous consumption. Through the satirical use of these terms, he changed the focus of social research dramatically away from capitalist underpinnings and toward consumption economics.
Veblen’s books have distinctively advanced my theoretical knowledge of the rhetoric and philosophy of communication. The book employs satire enclosed in dialectic discourse to convince an audience through dialogue. Dialectic is a term from ancient philosophy that refers to the interchange of premises (theses) and counter-premises (antitheses) that results in harmonization of the competing claims. To begin, I have learnt via the book that I am capable of resolving differences through reasonable debate. Second, the book has taught me another technique for resolving disagreements: by rejecting specific presuppositions of the opposing premise and antithesis, and so advancing to a new thesis or synthesis. Veblen uses this technique severally in his book and subsequently has provided me with a more critical approach when decoding and internalizing information.
Finally, after reading the book, I feel as though I have a better grasp on how one may or should interpret the universe. For instance, the universe is a declaration of the interwoven, conflicting, and dynamic character of reality outside our (human) perspective. Veblen suggests that I have to reject traditional economic thought that was founded on philosophical ideals while ignoring the social aspect of economics. To this end, when exchanging propositions, I consider that there has to be at least a qualitative change in the course of the conversation.
The central argument in Theory of the Leisure Class is that societal elites consider themselves superior not because of their ability to manage, administrate, or produce but because of their blatant extravagance. Veblen uses rhetoric and dialectic techniques to support his hypothesis. He observes that wastage is a recurrent theme in both ostentatious leisure and excessive consumerism. According to Veblen, “Both are methods of demonstrating the possession of wealth, and the two are conventionally accepted as equivalents. The choice between them is a question of advertising expediency…” (71).
In the quote above, Veblen indirectly faults classical economists for accepting two concepts as equivalents when they ought to be treated as separate. Applying, dialectic Veblen posits that contrary to popular belief, conspicuous leisure is a squander of effort and time, while conspicuous consumption is a squander of commodities. Thus, Veblen demonstrates that conventional economics is an isolated discourse group whose adherents are oblivious and indifferent to the broader intelligent debate from which they are entrenched yet shielded. This is not to say that Veblen is perfect in his use of rhetoric and dialectic. In hindsight, Veblen does not give a definitive meaning to the term ‘leisure class.’ As I read through the text, I realized that he uses the phrase interchangeably when describing different social groups. In this way, I do not think there exists a special category in a society composed of the leisure class.
Without a doubt, the Theory of the Leisure Class is highly relevant to the classroom setting and the marketplace. Veblen’s use of rhetoric and dialectic resonates with the Socratic Method. In this technique, one is provided a hypothesis that leads to a paradox, causing the hypothesis to be withdrawn as a contender for reality. In terms of its relevance in the marketplace, Veblen’s provides the reader with the lens through to view and understand the impacts of consumer culture. Consumerism has been increasingly prominent in modern culture since Veblen postulated his 100 years ago. The realms of sport and entertainment have become particularly essential in demonstrating social status. Conspicuous consumerism and conspicuous leisure are readily seen in several examples of these ancient patterns.
Work Cited
Veblen, Thorstein. Theory of the Leisure Class. Salzwasser-Verlag Gmbh, 2018. Print.