An Analysis of Remark B of Bernard Mandeville’s "Fable of the Bees": regarding Knaves
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26512/rfmc.v10i3.54040Keywords:
Mandeville. Knavery. The Grumbling Hive. Morality.Abstract
Bernard Mandeville's poem "The Grumbling Hive: or, Knaves turn'd Honest" explores the subtle interplay between morality and business practices, particularly through the lens of the term "knave". This article examines Mandeville's use of "knave" in juxtaposition with the value of honesty portrayed in the poem's title. In contrast to the spiritual transformation depicted in the poem, in which all the bees in the hive become honest through divine intervention, Mandeville suggests a different kind of change in moral practice, one that incorporates previously unacceptable behavior into the social fabric. Through a varied historical reconstruction of the uses and understandings of the term in question, the study explores Mandeville's concerns about the acceptance and normalization of dishonesty in various segments of society, as illustrated by the anecdote in Observation B, which shows how dishonesty permeates all aspects of commerce, involving buyers, sellers, merchants, traders, and dealers. By analyzing Mandeville's portrayal of dishonesty and its integration into social dynamics, this study aims to elucidate the underlying tensions between ethical standards and the pursuit of self-interest.
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