Liberalism and the Philosophy of Economics

Drawing on recent work in the contemporary philosophy of economics, this book presents new ideas on liberalism, including the concept of ’growth-oriented liberalism’.

Since the end of the Cold War, questions and definitions of liberalism have moved from the sphere of political systems (the socialism versus liberalism debates) to the sphere of ethics (what it means to live in a liberal society). The chapters in this work trace the trajectory of the concept of liberalism in the philosophy of economics by exploring the ideological implications of the methodological debate between socialism and liberalism, the idea of liberty as real freedom, the ethical implications of Max Weber’s methodology on autonomy and liberty, and new typological theories of ideologies in the context of contemporary economic ethics.

This book marks a significant contribution to the literature on liberalism in the philosophy of economics and economic methodology, and is highly recommended for readers who seek updated ideas on liberal society in its ethical and philosophical contexts.

Tsutomu Hashimoto is a Professor at Hokkaido University and the President of the Synodos Institute of International Studies in Japan.