Humboldt's argument against the welfare state

a reconstruction in terms of game theory

Rainer Hegselmann

pp. 229-243

in: Herlinde Pauer Studer (ed), Norms, values, and society, Berlin, Springer, 1994

Abstract

In 1792 Wilhelm von Humboldt wrote his treatise Ideen zu einem Versuch, die Gränzen der Wirksamkeit des Staates zu bestimmen (Ideas on an Essay to Define the Limits to the Effectiveness of the State). The treatise supports a notion of the state one would nowadays call libertarian. Seen against the backdrop of his time, characterized by far-reaching governmental regulations, Humboldt's work must be considered a radical manifesto of deregulation.¹ Analyzing various fields of potential governmental activity, Humboldt pleaded in favor of a minimum of governmental intervention.

Cited authors

Von Humboldt Wilhelm