Schumpeter's Theological Roots? Harnack and the Origins of Creative Destruction

11 Pages Posted: 24 Feb 2016

See all articles by Paul Nightingale

Paul Nightingale

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

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Date Written: December 01, 2013

Abstract

This short research note highlights the similarity between Schumpeter’s theory of creative destruction and the work of his contemporary, the German theologian Adolf von Harnack (1851-1930). The note provides a brief over-view of Harnack’s concepts and terminology and highlights their similarity to Schumpeterian ideas about routinisation, charismatic entrepreneurial leadership, and creative destruction. While the evidence is far from conclusive it does suggests that the similarity merits closer attention that could potentially lead to changes to the received understanding of the theory of creative destruction. In particular, it suggests a need to potential reassess the position of Schumpeter within a wider Weberian tradition.

Suggested Citation

Nightingale, Paul, Schumpeter's Theological Roots? Harnack and the Origins of Creative Destruction (December 01, 2013). SWPS 2013-15, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2736856 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2736856

Paul Nightingale (Contact Author)

University of Sussex - Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU) ( email )

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