Contemporary Capitalism: Beneficial Constraints: On the Economic Limits of Rational Voluntarism

摘要: Economists have succeeded in persuading most people that the performance of an economy improves as social constraints on self-interested rational action are removed. In this essay I wish to argue that, contrary, socially institutionalized voluntarism interest-maximizing behavior may be economically beneficial, and systematic recognition must far-reaching implications for both economic theory conduct policy. Note am referring not but benefits constraints, constraint rather than choice. other words, discussing whether or societies should impose moral reasons ; even economists agree allowed sell buy babies, regardless was free will perceived interest all parties involved. And arguing benevolence individual freedom, limitations volition pursuit self-interest . To support high performance, claiming, a society requires capacity prevent advantage-maximizing individuals from doing things they would prefer do, force them do do. The suggestion institutions constraining voluntarist advantage, thereby interfering with spread operation markets , beneficial directly contests leading premises mainstream economics its laissez-faire conceptual heritage, strikes right into heart darkness liberal individualism.