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An Inquiry into the Nature of Money: An Alternative to the Functional Approach

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  • Eric Tymoigne

Abstract

The paper argues that the functional approach of money does not provide a good method to study monetary history and monetary mechanisms. An alternative approach is developed and illustrated by analyzing the role of tobacco and cowry shells in past monetary systems. It is shown that any monetary system has specific properties that most students of money do not take into account when theorizing about money or analyzing its history. This leads them to miss some important points, and to see monetary systems where none exist. Hence, one can doubt some of the past research on the subject, at least until further investigation is conducted that is based, not on what we think "money" is, but on what its essential properties are. By comprehending what the main characteristics of a monetary system are, one is able to improve regulation of the system and get some insights into the financial mechanisms of sovereign governments.

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  • Eric Tymoigne, 2006. "An Inquiry into the Nature of Money: An Alternative to the Functional Approach," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_481, Levy Economics Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:lev:wrkpap:wp_481
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    1. Edward J. Nell & Willi Semmler (ed.), 1991. "Nicholas Kaldor and Mainstream Economics," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-10947-0.
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    9. L. Randall Wray, 1998. "Understanding Modern Money," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 1668.
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    Cited by:

    1. Adrien Faudot, 2015. "The Euro: An International Invoicing Currency?," International Journal of Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(1), pages 51-70, January.

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