Orwell Versus Huxley: Economics, Technology, Privacy, and Satire
University of Chicago Law School, John M. Olin Law & Economics Working Paper No. 89
43 Pages Posted: 19 Nov 1999
Date Written: November 1999
Abstract
Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four and Huxley's novel Brave New World have often been thought prophetic commentaries on economic, political, and social matters. I argue, with particular reference to the supposed applicability of these novels to issues of technology and privacy, that the novels are best understood as literary works of art, rather than as social science or commentary, and that when so viewed Orwell's novel in particular reflects a dissatisfaction with everyday life and a nostalgia for Romantic values.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Richard A. Posner (Contact Author)
University of Chicago Law School ( email )
1111 E. 60th St.
LBQ 611
Chicago, IL 60637
United States
773-702-9608 (Phone)
773-702-0730 (Fax)
Register to save articles to
your library
Recommended Papers
-
'I've Got Nothing to Hide' and Other Misunderstandings of Privacy
-
By Cass R. Sunstein and Adrian Vermeule
-
An Economic Analysis of Legal Rulemaking
By Isaac Ehrlich and Richard A. Posner
-
Positive, Normative and Functional Schools in Law and Economics
