The Theory of Capitalism in the German Economic Tradition: Historism, Ordo-Liberalism, Critical Theory, Solidarism (Ethical Economy)

The German tradition of economics has been occupied with the topic of capitalism. The intellectual debate about the theory, critique, and reform of capitalism has not only been at the center of Marxist thought but also of the economics of the Historical School, of Ordo-Liberalism, the Frankfurt School, and Solidarism. The competition between different models of capitalism in the world is one of the important issues of the contemporary debate in economics and politics. The book provides the reader with theoretical foundations for this debate. It offers an introduction to central economic thinkers of capitalism and of the market economy coming not only from the tradition of liberalism but also from alternative traditions. The book gives a comprehensive view of the achievements, problems, and outlooks of capitalism.