Economics and Apologetics—The Ideology/Utopia of Laissez-Faire and its Discontents. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zafirovski, Milan
• Is Part Of: Journal of economic issues. Volume 53:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 647
• Page End: 676
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Apologetics -- capitalism -- economics -- ideology -- laissez-faire -- science; A14; Economics -- Periodicals; Economics; Économie politique -- Périodiques; Economie; ECONOMICS; ECONOMIC POLICY; Periodicals; 330.05
• DOI: 10.1080/00213624.2019.1634455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-3624

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores elements of apologetics in conventional economics. It argues that much of the latter is apologetics in the form of the ideology or utopia of laissez-faire, and many of its representatives are apologists of the latter. The article first examines instances of unconditional laissez-faire apologetics and extreme apologists. Then it presents cases of qualified laissez-faire apologetics and moderate apologists. Lastly, it identifies some examples of laissez-faire non- and anti-apologetics and critics expressing discontent with apologetic economics. The article aims to contribute to a fuller understanding of the relationship between economics and social science overall and ideology, politics, and related non-scientific elements.