Veblens

Veblens is a term that functions as the plural form of the surname Veblen in English. It is not a single, established concept but rather a way to refer collectively to people who bear the name or to topics and works associated with individuals named Veblen. In scholarly contexts, Veblens may point to notable figures such as Thorstein Bunde Veblen and Oswald Veblen, as well as to mathematical or economic concepts named after them.

Thorstein Bunde Veblen (1857–1929) was a prominent American economist and social theorist. He is best known for his critique of capitalism, the concept of conspicuous consumption, and his contributions to institutional economics. His work helped shape discussions on how culture, institutions, and economic behavior influence society.

Oswald Veblen (1880–1960) was an American mathematician whose research advanced topology, geometry, and foundational aspects of mathematical logic. In mathematics, the surname Veblen is associated with several constructs, including the Veblen function and the Veblen ordinal, which appear in ordinal analysis and transfinite theory.

Beyond individual scholars, the name Veblen appears in various scholarly terms and references that honor or reflect their contributions. The plural form Veblens, therefore, serves as a loose label for the body of people and ideas connected to the Veblen lineage, rather than indicating a single, discrete concept.