David Ricardo

Classical theorist of rent, value, and trade whose comparative-advantage argument founded trade theory.

Specifications & Metrics

lifespan

1772-1823

nationality

British

school

Classical

Core Principles & Analysis

• He made a fortune on the London Stock Exchange before turning to political economy.
• Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1817) formalized rent and comparative advantage.
• His corn-model analysis of land scarcity shaped classical distribution theory.

Sources

• Econlib Concise Encyclopedia of Economics: David Ricardo