Philip Wicksteed

Philip Henry Wicksteed (25 October 1844 – 18 March 1927) was an English scholar, Unitarian theologian, and influential figure in classics, medieval studies, and economics. Born in Leeds, England, he was the son of Charles and Jane Wicksteed. He received his education at University College London and Manchester New College, earning a master's degree in classics. Initially entering the Unitarian ministry, Wicksteed's intellectual pursuits expanded broadly, leading to significant scholarly work in various fields. His interest in Dante Alighieri established him as a prominent medievalist. A pivotal moment in his intellectual journey was his reading of Henry George's "Progress and Poverty" in 1879, which, combined with his theological and ethical inquiries, propelled him into the study of economics. Although he "stood somewhat outside of the economics profession" according to Joseph Schumpeter, Wicksteed became a lecturer on economics for the University of London extension lectures. His notable economic publications include "An Essay on the Co-ordination of the Laws of Distribution" (1894), where he mathematically explored the exhaustion of total product by marginal productivity rewards, and his comprehensive 1910 work, "The Common Sense of Political Economy." His ideas were later developed by Lionel Robbins. Wicksteed was also a staunch opponent of vivisection and an associate of Frances Power Cobbe. He married Emily, daughter of Unitarian minister Henry Solly.