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Democracy by Discussion, Not Debate: James Buchanan on Freedom of Inquiry as a Methodological, not Ideological, Necessity

Author

Listed:
  • Boettke Peter J.

    (University Professor of Economics & Philosophy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030United States of America)

  • King M. Scott

    (PhD Fellow, F. A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Econom-ics, Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030F. A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, United States of America)

Abstract

Freedom of inquiry remains one of the core tenants of the liberal project. However, in a 1960 letter, James M. Buchanan argued that free inquiry was important for more than just philosophical reasons. In fact, freedom of inquiry and the ability to participate in collective choice processes was at the heart of Buchanan’s methodological commitments to social science and foundational to the entire project of Virginia Political Economy. In this paper, we will show why freedom of inquiry assumes the central place that it holds in Buchanan’s methodology and research more broadly. Insisting on inquiry being open and free to all was not simply an ideological preference held by Buchanan—rather, to him it was the only way forward for Virginia Political Economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Boettke Peter J. & King M. Scott, 2018. "Democracy by Discussion, Not Debate: James Buchanan on Freedom of Inquiry as a Methodological, not Ideological, Necessity," ORDO. Jahrbuch für die Ordnung von Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft, De Gruyter, vol. 69(1), pages 51-62, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:ordojb:v:69:y:2018:i:1:p:51-62:n:5
    DOI: 10.1515/ordo-2019-0006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Levy,David M. & Peart,Sandra J., 2017. "Escape from Democracy," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107142398.
    4. Anonymous, 1956. "United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 10(2), pages 319-320, May.
    5. James M. Buchanan, 1949. "The Pure Theory of Government Finance: A Suggested Approach," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 57(6), pages 496-496.
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    7. Anonymous, 1956. "United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 10(4), pages 640-642, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    James Buchanan; Political Economy; Democracy; Economic Methodology; Freedom of Inquiry; Liberalism; A11; B31; B41; D70;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General

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