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The Origin of the Sylos Postulate: Modigliani’s and Sylos Labini’s Contributions to Oligopoly Theory

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  • Antonella Rancan

Abstract

Paolo Sylos Labini’s Oligopoly Theory and Technical Progress (1957) is considered one of the major contributions to entry-prevention models, especially after Franco Modigliani’s famous formalization. Nonetheless, Modigliani neglected Sylos Labini’s major aim when reviewing his work (1958), particularly his demonstration of the dynamic relation between industrial concentration and economic development. Modigliani addressed only Sylos’ microeconomic analysis and the determination of the long-run equilibrium price and output, concentrating on the role played by firms’ anticipations. By doing so he shifted attention from Sylos' objective analysis to a subjective approach to oligopoly problem. This paper discusses Sylos’ and Modigliani’s differing approaches, derives the origin of the Sylos postulate and sets Modigliani’s interpretation of Sylos’ oligopoly theory in the context of his 1950s research into firms’ behaviour under uncertainty.

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  • Antonella Rancan, 2012. "The Origin of the Sylos Postulate: Modigliani’s and Sylos Labini’s Contributions to Oligopoly Theory," Center for the History of Political Economy Working Paper Series 2012-08, Center for the History of Political Economy.
    • Handle: RePEc:hec:heccee:2012-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Franco Modigliani, 1959. "New Developments on the Oligopoly Front: Reply," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 67, pages 418-418.
    2. Alessandro Roncaglia, 2007. "Il pensiero economico di Paolo Sylos Labini," Economia & lavoro, Carocci editore, issue 3, pages 1-23.
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    6. Franco Modigliani, 1958. "New Developments on the Oligopoly Front," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 66, pages 215-215.
    7. Donald E. Farrar & Charles F. Phillips & Jr., 1959. "New Developments on the Oligopoly Front: A Comment," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 67, pages 414-414.
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    12. Richard Arena, 2007. "La théorie de l'oligopole de Sylos Labini : diversité des interprétations et prolongements possibles," Revue d'économie industrielle, De Boeck Université, vol. 0(2), pages 4-4.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alessandro Roncaglia, 2014. "Teoria dell'occupazione: due impostazioni a confronto," Moneta e Credito, Economia civile, vol. 67(267), pages 243-270.
    2. Antonella Rancan, 2014. "Modigliani's comments on Sylos Labini's theory of unemployment (1956-1958)," PSL Quarterly Review, Economia civile, vol. 67(270), pages 269-282.
    3. Antonella Rancan, 2014. "Commento di Modigliani alla teoria della disoccupazione di Sylos Labini (attraverso la corrispondenza del 1956)," Moneta e Credito, Economia civile, vol. 67(267), pages 271-284.
    4. Alessandro Roncaglia, 2014. "The theory of employment: two approaches compared," PSL Quarterly Review, Economia civile, vol. 67(270), pages 241-268.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Modigliani; Sylos Labini; Sylos postulate; Oligopoly Theory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B13 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Neoclassical through 1925 (Austrian, Marshallian, Walrasian, Wicksellian)
    • B21 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Microeconomics
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals

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