An Economic Rationale for a Work and Savings Ethic? J. Buchanan’s Late Works and Business Ethics

Journal of Business Ethics · 2006 · Volume 66 · Issue 1

Abstract

This article discusses the possibility of an economic foundation for a work and savings ethic. In particular, James M. Buchanan has, in his late works, endorsed traditional ‘Puritan’ demands for working and saving more, while arguing that this is beneficial for all members of a society. I will question Buchanan’s analysis of the ‘Puritan’ ethic both in normative and methodological respects before aiming at a constructive interpretation.

Keywords

work ethic, savings ethic, James M. Buchanan, contractualism, ethics and economics

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