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Gordon Tullock and the economics of slavery

Author

Listed:
  • Phillip W. Magness

    (American Institute for Economic Research)

  • Art Carden

    (American Institute for Economic Research
    Samford University)

  • Ilia Murtazashvili

    (University of Pittsburgh)

Abstract

This paper investigates Gordon Tullock’s unpublished manuscripts that proposed a public choice interpretation of American slavery. Drafted in response to Conrad and Meyer’s seminal 1958 article on the economics of slavery, Tullock’s writings influenced the early debate over slavery through his University of Virginia colleague John E. Moes. This paper uses Tullock’s surviving writings to map out his theory of slavery and situate it in the broader economic analysis of the institution and identify the links between the economics of slavery and the public choice research tradition.

Suggested Citation

  • Phillip W. Magness & Art Carden & Ilia Murtazashvili, 2023. "Gordon Tullock and the economics of slavery," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 197(1), pages 185-199, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:197:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11127-023-01100-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-023-01100-w
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gordon Tullock; Slavery; Public choice; Alfred H. Conrad; John R. Meyer; John E. Moes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • N31 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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