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Social Evolution: Buchanan and Hayek

In: James Buchanan

Author

Listed:
  • David Reisman

Abstract

Marx was an evolutionist who believed that unguided unfolding would lead inevitably to collective betterment. So was Hayek, who argued in effect that ‘basic institutional change will somehow spontaneously evolve in the direction of structural efficiency’ (CW X, 166n). Such thinking, in Buchanan’s words, has done ‘great damage’: ‘Hayek is so distrustful of man’s explicit attempts at reforming institutions that he accepts uncritically the evolutionary alternative. We may share much of Hayek’s skepticism about social and institutional reform, however, without elevating the evolutionary process to an ideal role. Reform may, indeed, be difficult, but this is no argument that its alternative is ideal’ (LL, 194n).

Suggested Citation

  • David Reisman, 2015. "Social Evolution: Buchanan and Hayek," Great Thinkers in Economics, in: James Buchanan, chapter 5, pages 65-73, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:gtechp:978-1-137-42718-2_5
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137427182_5
    as

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