In this course we will engage with some of the most influential concepts that underpin our understanding of economic systems. They include, e.g., the concepts of alienation or the ‘invisible hand’ as a market-regulating principle, and also how economics was originally seen as being determined by the common good. We will also examine arguments how capitalism became the dominant economic system and how the social and economic systems we live in may influence the way we think. Texts from key thinkers such as, e.g., Aristotle, Smith and Marx will be discussed as well contemporary neo-liberal approaches and its neo-marxist critics. We will also examine whether these ideas can provide a basis for solutions for contemporary issues and what role they play in in contemporary debates.Delivery: Pre-recorded lectures and PowerPoint presentations.Assessment: 4 reaction papers (to be written and submitted by each student at the end of each day).Upon completion of this course, the student will have obtained an understanding of the different important concept related to economics and how capitalism arose both as dominant economic system and as world view. They will be able to demonstrate how their reflections can be applied to real social and political situations, and discuss potential solutions.Notes and reading will be distributed beforehand.