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Papers by Alberto Mingardi
Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 2015
All over Europe, the provision of healthcare services is widely considered a primary duty of the ... more All over Europe, the provision of healthcare services is widely considered a primary duty of the government. Universal access to medical care can be considered a basic ingredient of the so-called "European social model." But if universal access to medical care is seldom questioned, European governments-faced with expanding costs caused by an increasing demand driven by an aging population and technology-driven improvements-are contemplating the possibility of "rationing" (1) treatments, or the possibility of allowing a greater role for private suppliers. If a "multi-tier" healthcare system has long been anathema to the European leadership, guaranteeing a uniform access to state-of-the-art care seems to be well beyond the means of states suffering from persisting debt crisis. Was the failure of state-controlled "adequate" healthcare totally unpredictable? Far-sighted criticisms had been offered by two eminent thinkers in the classical liberal tradition, Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) and Friedrich A. von Hayek (1899-1992). Neither author is usually recognized as a forerunner of contemporary critics of the welfare state, and both investigated the issue of the state financing and providing health services well before (Spencer) or right after (Hayek) the establishment of national health services. With the benefit of hindsight, reading Spencer and Hayek helps us to understand how the crisis of state-supplied healthcare is not rooted in the mere progress of clinical technology, but is rather the logical consequence of the theoretical basis of the model itself. Whereas modern theorists of the welfare state tend to offer theories that are impervious to a critical appraisal of their unintended consequences-insofar as they are framed in a language of "rights"-both Hayek and Spencer understood that human systems are complex, and that unwanted effects of public policy should be taken into account. Although Spencer emphasized the moral hazards accruing from the paternalism involved in governmental provision of health services, Hayek explained how modern healthcare systems differ from real, private insurance designed to offer proper coverage against risks. These authors appreciated that the politicization of healthcare was bound to result in both standardization of care and disregard for the responsibility that comes with personal freedom. These two "diagnoses before the illness" can help us in defining the challenges and the potential solutions that healthcare systems face today. Understanding the fatal conceits inherent in the very architecture of national health services can be the first step toward healing our healthcare systems.
Il Politico Rivista Italiana Di Scienze Politiche, 2007
Journal des Économistes et des Études Humaines, 2016
Thomas Hodgskin (1797–1869) is still studied as a forerunner of modern socialism: in fact, he is ... more Thomas Hodgskin (1797–1869) is still studied as a forerunner of modern socialism: in fact, he is typically characterized as a prominent “Ricardian socialist”. Among the most influential of Hodgskin’s works was his pamphlet
Man and the Economy, 2016
Man and the Economy, 2015
Journal of Markets Morality, Mar 20, 2012
... It constitutes a careful compendium to the thesis expressed in Anarchy, State, and Utopia, ri... more ... It constitutes a careful compendium to the thesis expressed in Anarchy, State, and Utopia, rightly regarded as a fundamental text in that stream of thinking that is known as “libertarianism” or ... Alberto Mingardi Istituto Bruno Leoni, Turin Centre for the New Europe, Brussels
Journal of Markets Morality, Aug 3, 2012
Journal of Markets Morality, Feb 27, 2012
Journal of Markets Morality, Mar 23, 2012
Journal of Markets Morality, Mar 20, 2012
Journal of Markets Morality, Mar 22, 2003
Gioacchino Granito di Belmonte (1849-1934) in 1897 contributed an open letter to the Giornale deg... more Gioacchino Granito di Belmonte (1849-1934) in 1897 contributed an open letter to the Giornale degli economisti, at the time a point of reference for Italian free-market economists. Belmonte challenged his friends to give proper consideration to the need to guarantee full religious freedom, including freedom to establish Catholic schools and theology departments, as consistent with commitment to limited government. The letter provoked a lively debate among the Journal's contributors, including Gaetano Mosca (1858-1941) and Enrico Barone (1859-1924). This paper examines the debate and succinctly compares the views expressed by the different contributors with Vilfredo Pareto's (1848-1923).
Economic Affairs, 2011
Microprocessor-maker Intel has been subjected to the highest fine in the history of EU competitio... more Microprocessor-maker Intel has been subjected to the highest fine in the history of EU competition policy. Intel operates in a market with one other main supplier, a fact that seemed to provide grounds to those accusing it of abusing a dominant position. The authors argue that, in spite of the limited number of players, the microprocessor market showed the distinctive marks of dynamic competition: ever-lower prices and ever-growing innovation. Political considerations more than sound economic reasoning seem to be behind the EU antitrust decision.
Drafts by Alberto Mingardi
Frédéric Bastiat (1801-1850) had a considerable influence in the Italian debate. In this paper, I... more Frédéric Bastiat (1801-1850) had a considerable influence in the Italian debate. In this paper, I will consider how two giants of Italian economics, Francesco Ferrara (1810-1900) and Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) read Bastiat. Both Ferrara and Pareto were classical liberals and shared many of Bastiat's values. For Ferrara, Bastiat was a valued contemporary thinker and a model of civic commitment and scientific passion. Pareto was profoundly influenced by Bastiat as a young man. Ferrara and Pareto valued Bastiat's contributions differently: both their agreements and criticisms may help us in better appreciating Bastiat's originality. Pareto was indebted to Bastiat for his basic understanding of government institutions, which he built into an all-round political theory. Ferrara investigated in detail the theories of the French economists and highlighted points of originality that are still today not properly appreciated. The influence of Bastiat over European economists of his time not being fully appreciated, I hope this paper may help in understanding the extent he helped his contemporaries and successors to focus their own thinking.
Economics was central to Antonio Rosmini’s political theorising. A Catholic priest and philosophe... more Economics was central to Antonio Rosmini’s political theorising. A Catholic priest and philosopher, His interest in classical political economy has actually shaped it from a younger age. .
Rosmini’s proximity to the ideas of laissez-faire and his acquaintance with the principles of classical economics was the result of a continuous interaction with Adam Smith’s works that, together with Jean-Baptiste Say’s were his true point of reference. In this paper, I try to present the most notable instances in which Rosmini appeared influenced by Smith, or pondering some ideas he got from the Scottish philosopher. I focus on Rosmini’s approach to economics as a science (and his criticism of “mechanical” Utilitarianism); his views of competition, monopoly and protection; his fiscal theory, as the most relevant places in which his reading of Smith reverberates.
Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 2015
All over Europe, the provision of healthcare services is widely considered a primary duty of the ... more All over Europe, the provision of healthcare services is widely considered a primary duty of the government. Universal access to medical care can be considered a basic ingredient of the so-called "European social model." But if universal access to medical care is seldom questioned, European governments-faced with expanding costs caused by an increasing demand driven by an aging population and technology-driven improvements-are contemplating the possibility of "rationing" (1) treatments, or the possibility of allowing a greater role for private suppliers. If a "multi-tier" healthcare system has long been anathema to the European leadership, guaranteeing a uniform access to state-of-the-art care seems to be well beyond the means of states suffering from persisting debt crisis. Was the failure of state-controlled "adequate" healthcare totally unpredictable? Far-sighted criticisms had been offered by two eminent thinkers in the classical liberal tradition, Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) and Friedrich A. von Hayek (1899-1992). Neither author is usually recognized as a forerunner of contemporary critics of the welfare state, and both investigated the issue of the state financing and providing health services well before (Spencer) or right after (Hayek) the establishment of national health services. With the benefit of hindsight, reading Spencer and Hayek helps us to understand how the crisis of state-supplied healthcare is not rooted in the mere progress of clinical technology, but is rather the logical consequence of the theoretical basis of the model itself. Whereas modern theorists of the welfare state tend to offer theories that are impervious to a critical appraisal of their unintended consequences-insofar as they are framed in a language of "rights"-both Hayek and Spencer understood that human systems are complex, and that unwanted effects of public policy should be taken into account. Although Spencer emphasized the moral hazards accruing from the paternalism involved in governmental provision of health services, Hayek explained how modern healthcare systems differ from real, private insurance designed to offer proper coverage against risks. These authors appreciated that the politicization of healthcare was bound to result in both standardization of care and disregard for the responsibility that comes with personal freedom. These two "diagnoses before the illness" can help us in defining the challenges and the potential solutions that healthcare systems face today. Understanding the fatal conceits inherent in the very architecture of national health services can be the first step toward healing our healthcare systems.
Il Politico Rivista Italiana Di Scienze Politiche, 2007
Journal des Économistes et des Études Humaines, 2016
Thomas Hodgskin (1797–1869) is still studied as a forerunner of modern socialism: in fact, he is ... more Thomas Hodgskin (1797–1869) is still studied as a forerunner of modern socialism: in fact, he is typically characterized as a prominent “Ricardian socialist”. Among the most influential of Hodgskin’s works was his pamphlet
Man and the Economy, 2016
Man and the Economy, 2015
Journal of Markets Morality, Mar 20, 2012
... It constitutes a careful compendium to the thesis expressed in Anarchy, State, and Utopia, ri... more ... It constitutes a careful compendium to the thesis expressed in Anarchy, State, and Utopia, rightly regarded as a fundamental text in that stream of thinking that is known as “libertarianism” or ... Alberto Mingardi Istituto Bruno Leoni, Turin Centre for the New Europe, Brussels
Journal of Markets Morality, Aug 3, 2012
Journal of Markets Morality, Feb 27, 2012
Journal of Markets Morality, Mar 23, 2012
Journal of Markets Morality, Mar 20, 2012
Journal of Markets Morality, Mar 22, 2003
Gioacchino Granito di Belmonte (1849-1934) in 1897 contributed an open letter to the Giornale deg... more Gioacchino Granito di Belmonte (1849-1934) in 1897 contributed an open letter to the Giornale degli economisti, at the time a point of reference for Italian free-market economists. Belmonte challenged his friends to give proper consideration to the need to guarantee full religious freedom, including freedom to establish Catholic schools and theology departments, as consistent with commitment to limited government. The letter provoked a lively debate among the Journal's contributors, including Gaetano Mosca (1858-1941) and Enrico Barone (1859-1924). This paper examines the debate and succinctly compares the views expressed by the different contributors with Vilfredo Pareto's (1848-1923).
Economic Affairs, 2011
Microprocessor-maker Intel has been subjected to the highest fine in the history of EU competitio... more Microprocessor-maker Intel has been subjected to the highest fine in the history of EU competition policy. Intel operates in a market with one other main supplier, a fact that seemed to provide grounds to those accusing it of abusing a dominant position. The authors argue that, in spite of the limited number of players, the microprocessor market showed the distinctive marks of dynamic competition: ever-lower prices and ever-growing innovation. Political considerations more than sound economic reasoning seem to be behind the EU antitrust decision.
Frédéric Bastiat (1801-1850) had a considerable influence in the Italian debate. In this paper, I... more Frédéric Bastiat (1801-1850) had a considerable influence in the Italian debate. In this paper, I will consider how two giants of Italian economics, Francesco Ferrara (1810-1900) and Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) read Bastiat. Both Ferrara and Pareto were classical liberals and shared many of Bastiat's values. For Ferrara, Bastiat was a valued contemporary thinker and a model of civic commitment and scientific passion. Pareto was profoundly influenced by Bastiat as a young man. Ferrara and Pareto valued Bastiat's contributions differently: both their agreements and criticisms may help us in better appreciating Bastiat's originality. Pareto was indebted to Bastiat for his basic understanding of government institutions, which he built into an all-round political theory. Ferrara investigated in detail the theories of the French economists and highlighted points of originality that are still today not properly appreciated. The influence of Bastiat over European economists of his time not being fully appreciated, I hope this paper may help in understanding the extent he helped his contemporaries and successors to focus their own thinking.
Economics was central to Antonio Rosmini’s political theorising. A Catholic priest and philosophe... more Economics was central to Antonio Rosmini’s political theorising. A Catholic priest and philosopher, His interest in classical political economy has actually shaped it from a younger age. .
Rosmini’s proximity to the ideas of laissez-faire and his acquaintance with the principles of classical economics was the result of a continuous interaction with Adam Smith’s works that, together with Jean-Baptiste Say’s were his true point of reference. In this paper, I try to present the most notable instances in which Rosmini appeared influenced by Smith, or pondering some ideas he got from the Scottish philosopher. I focus on Rosmini’s approach to economics as a science (and his criticism of “mechanical” Utilitarianism); his views of competition, monopoly and protection; his fiscal theory, as the most relevant places in which his reading of Smith reverberates.