Anthony de Jasay Books

This book provides a novel account of the public goods dilemma. The author shows how the social contract, in its quest for fairness, actually helps to breed the parasitic “free riding” it is meant to suppress. He also shows how, in the absence of taxation, many public goods would be provided by spontaneous group cooperation. This would, however, imply some degree of free riding. Unwilling to tolerate such unfairness, cooperating groups would eventually drift from voluntary to compulsory solutions, heedless of the fact that this must bring back free riding with a vengeance. The author argues that the perverse incentives created by the attempt to render public provision assured and fair are a principal cause of the poor functioning of organized society.Anthony de Jasay is an independent theorist living in France. Jasay “believes that philosophy should be mainly, if not exclusively, about clarifying conclusions that arise from the careless use of, or deliberate misuse of, language. There are echoes here of  . . . Wittgenstein's later philosophy.” His books, translated into a half dozen languages, include Justice and Its Surroundings and The State.[source/credit line] I. M. D. Little in Ordered Anarchy, 2007

"The author challenges what many of today's social and political philosophers widely accept: that social injustice is identified with inequality and social justice with equality. Rather, Jasay argues that justice preempts so-called social justice, so any attempt to adorn equality in the robes of social justice is an illusion, a sleight of hand, 'much as the Indian rope in the notorious trick is made to stand up skyward on its own.' The fifteen articles in this collection include both published and unpublished papers written over the years 2008 to 2012."--from publisher description.

An analysis of modern political arrangements that views the state as acting in its own interest contrary to the interests of individuals and even of an entire society. The text traces the logical and historical progression of the state from a modest-sized protector of life and property through its development into what the author believes to be an "agile seducer of democratic majorities" and "the welfare-dispensing drudge that it is today".

Anthony de Jasay critiques modern democratic government and the expansion of state power through a collection of concise essays on political economy. Targeted at both general readers and specialists, these writings articulate a classical liberal perspective, addressing key concepts like property, equality, and welfare. Using humor and real-world examples, Jasay challenges conventional wisdom and highlights the disconnect between economic common sense and government control. The essays are thoughtfully arranged, making complex ideas accessible while revitalizing classical political economy.

Exploring the intersection of liberty and justice, this collection of articles by Anthony de Jasay critiques modern democratic governance and the necessity of centralized authority. Addressing fundamental topics like government limitations and property rights, Jasay advocates for the potential of private solutions to public goods and rules. The work reflects his consistent anti-statist philosophy, arguing that social order can be maintained without heavy reliance on coercive power. This volume brings together previously published writings, offering a clear and engaging perspective on political thought.

Economic Sense and Nonsense comprises a collection of sixty essays written by Anthony de Jasay for his monthly column “Reflections from Europe,” on Liberty Fund’s Library of Economics and Liberty website. The articles span the years 2008 to 2012 and focus on economic issues of topical concern in Europe. In this collection Jasay continues his explorations of a number of themes that he developed in his earlier articles, such as the importance of property rights, the role of contracts in economic activity, the proper limitations of the state, and the attitude of intellectuals concerning the regulation of the free market. With the outbreak of the economic crisis of mid-2008, Jasay spends considerable time discussing its origins, the reactions of governments in both Europe and the United States, and the ensuing euro crisis, thus adding another dimension to his analysis of the economic woes of the industrialized world. Anthony de Jasay is an independent theorist living in France. Please note: This title is available as an ebook for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iTunes.

Exploring the concept of justice, Anthony de Jasay presents a collection of insightful essays that aim to redefine its meaning. He delves into the boundaries of justice, distinguishing it from related issues that often complicate its understanding. Through his analysis, de Jasay challenges conventional notions and encourages readers to reconsider the implications of justice in various contexts.

Exploring the public goods dilemma, the author reveals how the pursuit of fairness within the social contract inadvertently fosters 'free riding.' He argues that without taxation, public goods could emerge from spontaneous cooperation, but this leads to free riding, which groups struggle to accept. As a result, they shift from voluntary to compulsory solutions, ultimately exacerbating the issue. The book posits that these misguided incentives significantly contribute to the dysfunction of organized society, challenging conventional views on public provision.