In the previous lecture, we learned about the phrase "Laissez-faire, laissez-passer", "let do, let pass", which emerged in mid-18th-century France as the succinct battle cry of the Physiocrats.
It encapsulated a radical doctrine: economic prosperity would flourish maximally if the state refrained from interfering in production, *laissez-faire,
and commerce, particularly foreign trade, *laissez-passer". This was not merely a policy suggestion b
ut a principle derived from their belief in a harmonious Natural Order.
This belief in a Natural Order was reinforced by the rise of science. Just think of astronomers and scientists like Galileo, Kepler, and Newton.
Nature obeyed natural laws, thought obeyed the laws of logic, so wouldn't it be plausible that society and its economic processes also obeyed certain laws?
That was probably the basic belief: don't interfere with the economic processes in society and all will be well, so "Laissez-faire, laissez-passer".
In the coming lectures, I'll elaborate in detail on the development of this statement, but let me give you at least some names,
which shows how this slogan of liberalism and, consequently, capitalism developed through the ages.
At the heart of this slogan lies the fundamental economic question: to what extent should the state control the economic activity of its citizens?
The first one who took over the banner of the Physiocrats was Adam Smith (1723 - 1790).
In "The Wealth of Nations" (1776), Smith absorbed the Physiocratic critique of mercantilism but grounded the argument in a broader theory of human nature and social coordination.
This book is often mentioned as the real starting point of capitalism. We'll get back to this in the coming lectures.
Two other names we'll look into are David Ricardo (1772 - 1823) and Jean-Baptiste Say (1767 - 1832). They further hardened the doctrine into a more deductive, "scientific" system.
In the United States, laissez-faire ideology took a distinct, constitutionally-inflected form.
While never adopting free trade as absolutely as Britain, the post-Civil War "Gilded Age" (c. 1870-1900) saw the rise of a powerful doctrine of "liberty of contract."
Supreme Court rulings, often citing social Darwinist ideas popularized by Herbert Spencer, "the survival of the fittest", struck down labour regulations, like maximum hour laws, as violations of the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of liberty.
Politically, the ideology was championed by the dominant Republican Party of the era and captains of industry like Andrew Carnegie,
who preached a "Gospel of Wealth" wherein unfettered accumulation by the talented few would ultimately benefit all through philanthropy and investment.
The state was to support business through tariffs and subsidies, a deviation from pure laissez-faire, but not regulate its conduct or redistribute its gains.
And this is just the beginning of this economic idea of "Laissez-faire, laissez-passer".
Names of recent history we'll discuss in this context are Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, for instance.
They played an important role in the development of our neo-liberal capitalist economy.
Pure laissez-faire has never existed as a governing reality; states have always intervened to shape markets, protect powerful interests, and respond to crises.
Its power lies as a normative ideal, a compelling argument for efficiency, innovation, and individual economic liberty.
Its peril lies in its potential to neglect social cohesion, equity, and the provision of common goods that markets undersupply.
This sets the stage for our discussions to come in 2026. Thank you for your attention again...
Main Sources:
MacMillan The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2nd edition
of Economic Thought (2012)
TABLE OF CONTENT -----------------------------------------------------------------
1 - 100 Philosophers 9 May 2009 Start of
2 - 25+ Women Philosophers 10 May 2009 this blog
3 - 25 Adventures in Thinking 10 May 2009
4 - Modern Theories of Ethics 29 Oct 2009
5 - The Ideal State 24 Febr 2010 / 234
6 - The Mystery of the Brain 3 Sept 2010 / 266
7 - The Utopia of the Free Market 16 Febr 2012 / 383
8. - The Aftermath of Neo-liberalism 5 Sept 2012 / 413
9. - The Art Not to Be an Egoist 6 Nov 2012 / 426
10 - Non-Western Philosophy 29 May 2013 / 477
11 - Why Science is Right 2 Sept 2014 / 534
12 - A Philosopher looks at Atheism 1 Jan 2015 / 557
13 - EVIL, a philosophical investigation 17 Apr 2015 / 580
14 - Existentialism and Free Will 2 Sept 2015 / 586
15 - Spinoza 2 Sept 2016 / 615
16 - The Meaning of Life 13 Febr 2017 / 637
17 - In Search of my Self 6 Sept 2017 / 670
18 - The 20th Century Revisited 3 Apr 2018 / 706
19 - The Pessimist 11 Jan 2020 / 819
20 - The Optimist 9 Febr 2020 / 824
21 - Awakening from a Neoliberal Dream 8 Oct 2020 / 872
22 - A World Full of Patterns 1 Apr 2021 / 912
23 - The Concept of Freedom 8 Jan 2022 / 965
24 - Materialism 7 Sept 2022 / 1011
25 - Historical Materialism 5 Oct 2023 / 1088
26 - The Bonobo and the Atheist 9 Jan 2024 / 1102
27 - Artificial Intelligence 9 Feb 2024 / 1108
28 - Why Am I Here 6 Sept 2024 / 1139
The Discussion
[13:27] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman
[13:28] Max Chatnoir: Thanks, Herman,. It's good to be back!
[13:28] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:28] herman Bergson: Yes it is :-)
[13:29] herman Bergson: So our big question for the futiure will be...to what extent should the state interfere with the economics ?
[13:30] herman Bergson: AND....for what reasons?
[13:30] Max Chatnoir: But capitalists are now getting government support by selective taxation and government-imposed tariffs.
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): well, some needed regulations
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): thats true
[13:30] herman Bergson: Yes Max
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): it's gotten unhinged
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): d
[13:30] Max Chatnoir: also through lobbyists
[13:30] herman Bergson: But what has to be regulated....redistribution of wealth for instance?
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I don't see that coming
[13:31] Max Chatnoir: If the wealthy have this kind of protection, shouldn't everybody?
[13:31] herman Bergson: Like it is no happening to the advantage of the rich elite
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): except to the extreme
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): a good example ow is this AI craze with AI companies buying all RAM GPUS ect3,tot he point no one can afford computers anymore ad many say its because they want u to onnly own a dumb terminal and rent all CPU GPU, storage and software ect through cloud subscription
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i hope this will turn around, but that's a good example now
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): how its gotten out of hand
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): d3
[13:33] herman Bergson: I hate this Cloud ado... :-)
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): prices have like 6 doubled !
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): where you live Bej?
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Sweden
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): there it has doubled?
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but this is global as i understand
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ok that is what i meant
[13:34] herman Bergson: I not yet have heard about it, Bejiita
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): world order is changing
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): one of the 3 makers of RAM has left the consumer market completely, now only doing memory for AI data centers
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Micronn
[13:34] herman Bergson: ohh...
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): AI centers are raising price of electricity everywhere
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): for the consumers
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): That too, and the environment goes to hell with that
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): as well
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but they don't care, they just want MORE MONNEY
[13:35] herman Bergson: I read that the datacenters use huge amounts of water too
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): also the CES
[13:36] herman Bergson: laissez faire - Laissez passer....and that for Big Tech....questionable
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): instead of Consumer Electronic Show its been rebranded Corporate Electronics Show
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ha
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sigh
[13:37] herman Bergson: So what is the role of the state in this development...?
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): good question
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Some control is needed, we clearly see this with the AI example
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i dont think civilization has really found out yet
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): companies go no limit for profit
[13:38] herman Bergson: We, the people, are in fact the state...and we have to protect ourselves against greed and digital manipulation
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): true
[13:39] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): but how can we protect ourselves?
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed, they dont care about us anymore
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): but if those we choose to represent us go with the corporations, it is not good
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): the ordinary consumers
[13:39] herman Bergson: Yes, Beertje, how...through politics, but the politicians are bought by the big money, it seems
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): right now yes
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes indeed
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): they are duped
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and bribed
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): everything is RIGGED!
[13:41] herman Bergson: 2026 is going to be an interesting year, if you ask me :-)
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): as i said, only hope
[13:42] herman Bergson: Hope is the future, Gemma
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa yes
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): all we can do o
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): oq
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): now
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but I can't even type aymore so
[13:42] herman Bergson: We have to wait and see how things will develop
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sss
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): true
[13:43] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm
[13:43] Max Chatnoir: But if it all goes wonky, how do we fix it/
[13:43] Max Chatnoir: ?
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): time i guess
[13:44] herman Bergson: The only power we have is mass protests...even the elite is afraid of that
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it does help here right now .. but not enough
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yet
[13:46] herman Bergson: Guta cavat lapidem non vi sed saepe cadendo, Gemma
[13:46] herman Bergson: which means...the water drop doesn't hollow the stone by its force but by falling often
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yep hope so
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaah
[13:47] herman Bergson: Mass protests have caused even regime changes
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not working yet in Iran either
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): we need to ramp that up it feels like, like turning that falling drop into a waterjet cutting machine
[13:48] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Do you have the right to protest on the streets Gemma and max?
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): we do
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and do
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): but that is where the murder yesterday occurred
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ICE is like a secret police
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): speaking of that i 3D printed some accessories for my bowling balls today
[13:49] Max Chatnoir: Accessories?
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and have more power everyday to attack protesters
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): soemthig that went ok for once
[13:49] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): they are dangerous
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): they are
[13:49] herman Bergson: the Trump Gestapo indeed....and these are American citizens too...unbelievable
[13:49] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Ice I mean
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): very much like the secret police in the 30s
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaaa yes! Gestapo/SS
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): very much, and are huge in number now
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and Trump screaching on like Hitler 2.0
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): really scary time
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it is consuming
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hm
[13:50] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont)Who are these people that are working for Ice?
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): the thugs that Trump released from prisons before
[13:50] herman Bergson: That Americans allow the existence of such a police force....
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): to do violence for him
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i think many may be those who were at the capital 5 years ago
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): many are thugs
[13:51] herman Bergson: yes...
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): common criminals
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): proud boys
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and other far right nuts
[13:51] herman Bergson: Yes, this their paradise
[13:51] Max Chatnoir: We can't identify them.
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nope
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Trump wails about criminality while himself releasing murderers to kill the US people
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): wearing masks adn no ids
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): he is doing the Purge!
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): carrying guns
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): tear gas
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and other items
[13:52] herman Bergson: who autorized all this?
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): who else
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he king
[13:52] Max Chatnoir: How can we even tell if they are actually members of the national guard?
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): the king
[13:52] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its like a nightmare but it is the reality
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): oh it is not National Guard!!!!!!!!!!!
[13:52] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): :(
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Ice is separate
[13:53] Max Chatnoir: True, it is.
[13:53] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no
[13:53] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): T is not a king
[13:53] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): as said ICE are the criminals Trump released and pardoned before
[13:53] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): from high security prisons
[13:53] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): if you recall the head of Homeland security is a woman who shot her puppy because he was not a good puppy
[13:54] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): murderers, rapists ect
[13:54] herman Bergson: It amazes me that such a thing is possible in a country that claims to be the defender of freedom and democracy...even means to be exceptional
[13:54] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no future
[13:54] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that is it it is amazing
[13:54] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and as i said consuming
[13:54] herman Bergson: and nobody seems to be able to stop this terror
[13:54] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): if you elect Adolf Hitler 2.0 you get what u vote for, what amazes me is that so many cound be so dumb TWICE to vite him in
[13:55] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): when i first time i heard his speech 2016 realized immediately that he belongs in an insane asylum
[13:55] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): not in white house
[13:55] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): most of his ideas really go way way back
[13:55] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but also i went to school and learned manners and critical thinking
[13:55] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and are fickle
[13:56] herman Bergson: Yes indeed, Gemma...he is just a symptom of what already lived inside the system
[13:56] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he actually was a democrat years ago
[13:56] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but now i need to go to typing school for real!
[13:56] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i wonder..how long can we speak here in sl about these items....if T knows what we are talking about....
[13:56] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Well I've been a bit tired all day + stuff at work struggling, a machine not working as i want
[13:56] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i would not be surprised
[13:56] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): machine
[13:57] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): there are trumpers here
[13:57] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): know a couple
[13:57] herman Bergson: I do too :-)
[13:57] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): there is a group of Indivisible here too
[13:57] herman Bergson: what are those, Gemma?
[13:58] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): y9ou can check it out on my profile
[13:58] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): resistance
[13:58] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Indivisible
[13:58] herman Bergson: ok
[13:58] herman Bergson: Well, I guess we have saved the world again today....
[13:58] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): at least tried
[13:58] herman Bergson: Time to take a rest :-)
[13:59] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:59] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes
[13:59] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): good
[13:59] herman Bergson: Thank you all again and I'll see you next week in a better world :-)
[13:59] herman Bergson: Class dismissed......
[13:59] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman and class
[13:59] bergfrau Apfelbaum: thank you Herman and class!
[13:59] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): hope to be here .. meeting with teachers again tho for book planning
[13:59] Max Chatnoir: Thanks again, all of you.
[14:00] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): so will try not to miss a lot for the rest of January
[14:00] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i'm not going to play cards with you, i'm tired
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