ABSTRACT
This chapter probes how some categories elaborated by the 'science' dealing with the economy, the inglorious human activity, used for the analysis of the crimes of the powerful. The skilful paraphrase of Adam Smith's celebrated argument that it is not thanks to the generosity of the butcher and the baker, but to their self-interest, that one enjoy their meals opens up some connected possibilities for the analysis of the crimes of the powerful. The chapter carries out the theoretical investigation while focusing on the following conceptual variables: equality, inclinations, needs, toleration and liberty. Economic analysis of organized crime, considers how groups choose which location offers maximum potential income, and how criminals, like salespersons, move from area to area. The crimes of the powerful are both within and without this tradition, while the elite is engaged in a permanent attempt to read that tradition in a way that justifies the practices it adopts.
