Abstract
This paper distinguishes several types of contractarianism. It argues that Buchanan type contractarianism may be classified as a specific “formal type” of conservatism that grants normative status to the status quo. How such conservative contractarianism relates to and possibly blends into classical liberalism is sketched and it is suggested that classical liberal ideals along with a specific form of conservatism rather than the idea of a contract per se should be seen as the core of Buchanan type contractarianism.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ahlert, M., and Kliemt, H. (eds.) (2001) Making Choices in Organ Allocation. (Special Volume: Analyse & Kritik) 23 Stuttgart: Lucius and Lucius.
Berninghaus, S., Ehrhart, K. M., and Keser, C. (2002) ''Conventions and Local Interaction Structures: Experimental Evidence.'' Games and Economic Behavior 29: 177–205.
Brennan, H. G., and Lomasky, L. E. (1983) ''Institutional Aspects of 'Merit Goods' Analysis.'' Finanzarchiv, N.F., 41/2: 183–206.
Brennan, H. G., and Lomasky, L. E. (1985) ''The impartial spectator goes to Washington.'' Economics and Philosophy 1: 189–211.
Brennan, H. G., and Lomasky, L. E. (1993) Democracy and Decision. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Buchanan, J. M. (1975) The Limits of Liberty. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Buchanan, J. M., and Tullock, G. (1962) The Calculus of Consent. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Daniels, N. (1979) ''Wide Reflective Equilibrium and Theory Acceptance in Ethics.'' The Journal of Philosophy LXXVI: 265–282.
Hahn, S. (2000) Überlegungsgleichgewicht(e).Prüfung einer Rechtfertigungsmetapher. Freibrug i.Br.: Karl Alber.
Hamlin, A. (2001) ''Contractarianism.'' In: Smelser, N. J., and Baltes, P. B. (eds.) International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Oxford: Pergamon.
Harris, J. (1975) ''The Survival Lottery.'' Philosophy 50: 81–87.
Hart, H. L. A. (1961) The Concept of Law. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Jasay, A. de (1991) Choice, Contract, Consent: A Restatement of Liberalism. London: Institute of Economic Affairs (Hobart).
Jasay, A. de, (1996) ''Justice as Something Else.'' The Cato Journal 16: 161–173.
Kliemt, H. (1994a) Virginia Virtue-Virginia Vice. Tenth Annual Lecture in the Virginia Political Economy Lecture Series: Fairfax, Va., Center for Study of Public Choice.
Kliemt, H. (1994b) ''The calculus of consent after thirty years.'' Public Choice 79: 341–353.
Kliemt, H. (1986) ''The Veil of Insignificance.'' European Journal of Political Economy 2/3: 333–344.
Mackie, J. L. (1974) The Cement of the Universe. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Nozick, R. (1974), Anarchy, State, and Utopia.: New York, Basic Books.
Rawls, J. (1951) ''Outline of a Decision Procedure for Ethics.'' Philosophical Review 60: 177–190.
Rawls, J. (1971) A Theory of Justice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Robbins, L. (1932/1984) An Essay on the Nature and Significance of Economic Science. New York: New York University Press.
Spector, H. (1992) Autonomy and Rights. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Zahavi, A., and Zahavi, A. (1997) The Handicap Principle. A Missing Piece of Darwin's Puzzle. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kliemt, H. Contractarianism as Liberal Conservatism: Buchanan's Unfinished Philosophical Agenda. Constitutional Political Economy 15, 171–185 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:COPE.0000029642.35879.88
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:COPE.0000029642.35879.88