Schumpeter’s General Theory of Capitalism

Joseph A. Schumpeter made multiple contributions to economic science and beyond. Drawing on this wide range of writings, this book argues that Schumpeter provided a theoretical account of capitalism as a total phenomenon. It methodically reconstructs the ＂general theory＂ of capitalism present in Schumpeter’s work and shows its consistency and limits.

The book identifies three key dimensions of a Schumpeterian general theory of capitalism. First, capitalism is defined at its core as a form or method of economic change: the entrepreneur disrupts a static, equilibrium economy (which is the foundation of all economic activities) with the introduction of an innovation. He is an unbalancing and disruptive force. Second, capitalism is defined as an institutional order composed of private property, private initiative for private profit and credit. Finally, capitalism is defined as a ＂civilization＂ or culture: a set of values, attitudes, and beliefs.

The general theory thus accounts for capitalism as an economic form (innovation and entrepreneurship) which is the source of economic change; supported and enabled by a particular institutional order without which innovation would remain a dead letter (private property, private profit, and credit); all this generates the culture of capitalism. This book will be of interest to readers in the history of economic thought, economic theory, innovation, political economy, and social theory.

Tristan Velardo is a researcher in economics at the Centre Émile Durkheim (Bordeaux, France) and a teacher at the Institut d’études politiques in Bordeaux. His research focuses on the history of economic thought and economic philosophy.