Coercion, Freedom, and Democracy in Hayek, Dewey, and Commons

J. Dennis Chasse

Journal of Economic Issues, 2022, vol. 56, issue 1, 18-39

Abstract: This article examines the conflict between Frederick A. Hayek’s ideas about freedom, coercion, and democracy and those of John R. Commons and John Dewey. It starts with Hayek’s attacks on Dewey and Commons, summarizes their positions on freedom, coercion, and democracy, contrasts their views on social justice, and ends with the objections that Dewey and Commons might lodge against Hayek. The article concludes that they held different beliefs about power in capitalist democracies. Dewey and Commons were concerned about the consequences of corporate power and Hayek about the political power of majorities and legislatures. Hayek proposed limiting with abstract laws the rights of voters and the discretion of legislators. Commons and Dewey proposed policies designed to increase participation, deliberation, inquiry, and intelligence in public affairs.

Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:mes:jeciss:v:56:y:2022:i:1:p:18-39

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DOI: 10.1080/00213624.2022.2008751

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