• The Democracy of Self-Interest: Buchanan’s Case Against Perfect Governance

  • Sep 16 2024
  • Length: 17 mins
  • Podcast

The Democracy of Self-Interest: Buchanan’s Case Against Perfect Governance

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    In this episode of Fascinating!, Rik from Planet Vulcan delves into the brilliant mind of Nobel laureate James M. Buchanan, whose Public Choice theory flips the romanticized view of selfless government on its head. Buchanan argued that politicians and bureaucrats, just like market participants, are driven by self-interest—because, let’s face it, they’re human too. With sharp wit and a healthy dose of Vulcan skepticism, Rik unpacks Buchanan’s belief in the power of evolving systems over the rigid ‘intelligent design’ of governance, while debunking the myth of perfect competition and flawless governance.

    From Buchanan’s rugged Scottish roots to his intellectual growth under the influence of Frank H. Knight and Friedrich Hayek, this episode traces his journey from questioning central planning to championing spontaneous order. If you’ve ever felt that centralized control is like a deus ex machina in a story best left to unfold naturally, this one’s for you.

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