Immanuel Kant and Endogenous Growth Theory
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10493347 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gabriel Fagan (Central Bank of Ireland, corresponding author), Vítor Gaspar (International Monetary Fund), Peter McAdam (University of Surrey) |
| Year | 2015 |
| Volume | 63 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 427-442 |
| Publication date | 2015-09-25 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Scottish Journal of Political Economy (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0036-9292 • E-ISSN: 1467-9485 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/sjpe.12099 |
| OpenAlex | W2170810881 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 30 |
Despite the modern origins of endogenous growth theory, we argue that the ‘Idea for a Universal History with a Cosmopolitan Aim’ written by Immanuel Kant in 1784 provides an early and coherent example of such a theory. Kant's endogenous growth mechanism is driven by the inherent rivalry that exists between agents which increases effort and strengthens the accumulation of knowledge, which in turn is carried through generations. In an exercise in ‘rational reconstruction’, we present a mathematical model of Kant's mechanism. We use the model to contribute to the contemporary policy debate as to whether ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ leads to excessive effort
Economics · Endogenous growth theory · Epistemology · Growth model · Keeping up with the Joneses · Market economy · Mathematical economics · Mechanism (biology · Microeconomics · Neoclassical economics · Positive economics · Rivalry · Economic Growth and Productivity · Income, Poverty, and Inequality · Philosophy · Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy
Competition and Innovation
On the mechanics of economic development
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
The Economic Implications of Learning by Doing
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
Kant's Ethical Thought
Increasing Returns and Long-Run Growth
Happiness and Public Policy
Ideas and Growth
Lectures on Economic Growth
A Mathematical Theory of Saving
Conspicuous Consumption, Inconspicuous Leisure
Less Abused than I had Reason to Expect’
Philosophy in Moral Practice
Kant’s Impure Ethics
Do Institutions Cause Growth
The Origins of Endogenous Growth
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |