The Paradox of Coase as a Defender of Free Markets

21 Pages Posted: 21 Jul 2011

See all articles by Walter E. Block

Walter E. Block

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business

Gene Callahan

SUNY Purchase College

William Barnett

Loyola University New Orleans

Date Written: July 20, 2011

Abstract

Mention "free market advocate" or "defender of private property rights" and the name Ronald Coase is certain to be included in the top ten list of virtually all cognoscenti of such matters. Nor can it be denied that there are numerous good and sufficient reasons for this assessment. Nevertheless, it is the contention of the present paper that this characterization is unjustified with respect to his most famous publication on social costs. Here, in sharp contrast to most of his other work, we argue that Coase is better interpreted in the very opposite manner: as an intellectual enemy of free enterprise and capitalism.

Suggested Citation

Block, Walter E. and Callahan, Gene and Barnett, William, The Paradox of Coase as a Defender of Free Markets (July 20, 2011). NYU Journal of Law & Liberty, Vol. 1, No. 3, 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1890806

Walter E. Block (Contact Author)

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business ( email )

6363 St. Charles Avenue
Box 15, Miller 321
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States
(504) 864-7944 (Phone)
(504) 864-7970 (Fax)

Gene Callahan

SUNY Purchase College ( email )

735 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577
United States

William Barnett

Loyola University New Orleans ( email )

526 Pine Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States

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