Towards a (re-)integration of the social sciences: The Calculus of Consent at 50

Abstract

The publication of The Calculus of Consent in 1962 marks a watershed moment in the emergence of public choice theory and, more specifically, the constitutional political economy research program. Over the last 50 years, the book has had a remarkable impact not only in economics but also in the neighboring social sciences, philosophy, and law. The contributions collected in this volume reflect the breadth of fields within which The Calculus has served as a challenge to established doctrine, and as an inspiration for new avenues of inquiry. The authors, representing a multitude of disciplinary, geographical, and generational backgrounds, reflect on the contributions of The Calculus on the occasion of this anniversary in a variety of ways. Some recall how encountering The Calculus shaped their scholarly interests and research orientation. Others report on the book’s impact on academic discourse in their field or in their home country. Finally, a number of essays address specific aspects of The Calculus that have attracted attention over the years, or that offer opportunities for further research. Perhaps the most well known contribution of The Calculus is the model of constitutional choice developed in the sixth chapter. Undoubtedly, this model represents a significant theoretical achievement. Yet, as the range of themes addressed in the essays collected here demonstrates, the significance of The Calculus extends well beyond its specific contribution to analyzing the choice among alternative political decision rules. As we will argue, the more general and lasting impact of the book may come from advancing a theoretical (re)integration of the social sciences that questions disciplinary fragmentation, and reinvigorates the field of political economy as originally understood. The opening paragraph of