Juste jeu et juste prix

This essay summarizes Claude-Lucien Bergeryís (1787-1863) views on probabilities. This author, who was an engineer, an economist and an educationalist, did not offer any original contribution, either mathematical or philosophical, but he pronounced himself at an early date in favour of their introduction in the syllabus of elementary teaching ("primary", "superior"), stressing their practical importance in economic life (insurance, lotteries, etc.). From this standpoint, he develops a conception of the "fair game" which relies on the foundation of the theory of probabilities in the mediaeval casuistry, in keeping with his original conception of economics as an "ethical" science, focused on the concept of "fair price". Bergeryís views are compared to Cournotís similar and contemporary views. A discussion follows on the striking modernity of Cournotís approach, which attempts to build a theory of economic equilibrium free from normativity. But, as the debate is today reopened on the adequacy of such a view of economics, Bergeryís ëethicalí approach can also be redirected in the frame of an economic sociology

Casuistry · Cournot competition · Economics · Epistemology · Mathematical economics · Modernity · Political science · Positive economics · Sociology · Syllabus · Economic Theory and Institutions · Historical and Literary Studies · Law · Philosophy