Artikel

De economisch-technische idee van het klassiek liberalisme

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Abstract

The economical technical idea in classical liberalism - Classical liberalism has formulated a theoretical structure that includes the problem of machinery. In this study we institute an inquiry into the evolution of this structure among the founders of classical liberalism. The starting-point of the classical liberal concept about technics and machinery is founded on Adam Smith’s idea of „productivity” and on his theory of the “division of labour”. Smith’s followers viz. Ricardo, Malthus and J.-B. Say bring together a construction of the economic classical liberal theory about machinery albeit with some nuances. Ricardo and Malthus point out some temporary prejudices for labour and therefore they are reckoned among the pessimist authors. Say with his “law of débouchés” belongs to the optimistic group of the classical liberal economists. A great number of liberal theorists have put forward the optimistic ideas of Say about machinery in a more scientific structure. This structure is called the “compensation theory”. According to this theory the introduction of machinery cannot “in the long run” be injurious for the labouring classes. The purchasing power that is saved by labour saving devices is totally spent in the direction either of consumption or investments. And this leads to a new supply of labour. MacCulloch, N.S. Senior and F. Bastiat are the great adherents of this theory. Nevertheless a number of followers of the “compensation theory” have pointed out that the introduction of machinery can bring about prejudicial social consequences for labour. They suggest temporal social measures as for instance public works. The “compensation theory” is conceived by its followers as a theory of growth that promotes welfare. It must be said that some liberal economists have some doubt about the social aspect of the introduction of machinery. John Stuart Mill belongs to them. In this study we have examined only the authors who have taken an important part in the construction of the classical liberal idea about technics and machinery.

How to Cite:

Luwel, A., (1979) “De economisch-technische idee van het klassiek liberalisme”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 24(2), 111–137. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.96111