Hayek opposes the explanation of the emergence of institutions as ‘‘spontaneous (unintentional) order’’, which he considers correct, against ‘‘constructivism’’ (viewed as erroneous). This dichotomy exhibits some inconsistencies, for, on Hayek’s account, constructivist ideologies seem able both to prevent the evolutionary emergence of norms and to generate institutions coherent with deliberate, intentional, purposes. If this is so, are there then two views on the emergence of institutions in Hayek’s theory? The paper consequently discusses whether constructivism and evolution of norms are two alternative kinds of explanation, and in particular whether the former can be interpreted in evolutionary terms.

The emergence of institutions in Hayek's theory: two views or one?

FIORI, Stefano
2006-01-01

Abstract

Hayek opposes the explanation of the emergence of institutions as ‘‘spontaneous (unintentional) order’’, which he considers correct, against ‘‘constructivism’’ (viewed as erroneous). This dichotomy exhibits some inconsistencies, for, on Hayek’s account, constructivist ideologies seem able both to prevent the evolutionary emergence of norms and to generate institutions coherent with deliberate, intentional, purposes. If this is so, are there then two views on the emergence of institutions in Hayek’s theory? The paper consequently discusses whether constructivism and evolution of norms are two alternative kinds of explanation, and in particular whether the former can be interpreted in evolutionary terms.
2006
17
49
61
S. FIORI
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Fiori CPE 2006.pdf

Accesso riservato

Tipo di file: MATERIALE NON BIBLIOGRAFICO
Dimensione 136.98 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
136.98 kB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/101784
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 6
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact