Normative Political Economy: Subjective Freedom, the Market and the State (Routledge Frontiers of Political Economy)

Normative Political Economy explores the criteria we use for judging economic institutions and economic policy. It argues that prevailing criteria lack sufficient depth in their understanding of subjective experience. David Levine's arguments cover topics which include: • basic needs, equality and justice • freedom, self-integration and creative living • the role of the state • capitalism and the good society Normative Political Economy explores the criteria we use for judging economic institutions and economic policy. It argues that prevailing criteria lack suffi- cient depth in their understanding of subjective experience. By uncovering the meaning of this experience through reference to psychoanalytic theory, the book changes the way we understand the processes and structures of ‘political economy’. The currency of David Levine’s argument are fundamental concepts of universal importance. Topics covered include: basic needs, equality and justice freedom, self-integration, and creative living the role of the state capitalism and the good society This book represents essential reading for any student of economics, polit- ical science or moral philosophy. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Series Page 3 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Contents 6 Preface 8 1 Introduction 12 PART I Foundations 22 2 Ends 24 3 The quality of subjective experience 47 4 Needs and rights 62 5 State and society 84 PART II Applications 98 6 Capitalism and the good society 100 7 Income from work and social insurance 118 8 Justice and economic democracy 130 9 The economy: national, international, global 150 Notes 162 References 167 Index 170 This text explores the criteria we use for judging economic institutions and economic policy. It argues that prevailing criteria lack sufficient depth in their understanding of subjective experience. By uncovering the meaning of this experience through reference to psychoanalytic theory, the book intends to change the way we understand the processes and structures of "political economy". The currency of David Levine's argument are fundamental concepts of universal importance. These are considered within, and against, the framework of the global capitalist system This text explores the criteria we use for judging economic institutions and economic policy and intends to change the way we understand the processes and structures of "political economy". Topics covered include: equality and justice, freedom and creative living, and the role of the state Topics covered include: basic needs, equality and justice; freedom, self-integration and creative living; the role of the state; capitalism and the good society. The book is aimed at students of economics, political science or moral philosophy This book explores the criteria we use for judging economic institutions and economic policy. Topics covered include: equality and justice, freedom and creative living, role of the state, capitalism and the good society. The fundamental problem for normative political economy is to establish a meaningful foundation for judging economic institutions.