Solution of the Social Problem or Humanitarian Constitution, Based upon Natural Law, and Preceded by the Exposition of Reasons (1848)

Abstract

Joseph Charlier was born in Brussels, Belgium on 20 June 1816. His exact profession is unknown; he once classified himself as a jurist, but in successive population registers his occupation is variously described as writer, accountant and merchant. He is considered only in passing in many of the standard sources on the history of socialism in Belgium, and there is no substantial study of either his life or work. He published at least thirteen books, ranging from novels and poetry to works on technical legal issues and social theory. He died in Brussels on 6 December 1896.

Translation of excerpts from Joseph Charlier, Solution du Problème Social ou Constitution Humanitaire, Basée sur la Loi Naturelle, et Précédée de l’Exposé de Motifs (Bruxelles, Chez Tous les Libraires du Royaume, 1848). This text has never been translated into English. The extracts reproduced here are from pp. 20–7, 33–47 and 51–2; for reasons of clarity headings have been added. Translation copyright © 2004 by John Cunliffe and Guido Erreygers.