Uncertainity of risk and increasing risk of uncertainty in business decisions

Abstract

Our paper follows the development of theory regarding the position of risk and uncertainty in economics from the publication of works by Knight (1921) and Keynes (1921) until the recent past. The starting point is presented by the relevant remarks of the thinkers of classical economics. Next, we describe the turning point related to Knight and Keynes and reveal the theoretical roots of risk taking. In the core chapter of the paper the authors make an attempt to re-interpret “animal spirits” as the intention for risk taking. A separate chapter is devoted to the relationship of rational choice and risk, and another one about the canonisation of risk in economics. In further parts of the paper, we examine the intentions to relativize the difference between risk and uncertainty, the negligence of uncertainty in the neo-classical system, the attempts to merge risk and uncertainty and the disruption of the unity of risk taking and risk bearing. Finally, the authors come to the conclusion that Knight’s and Keynes’ doctrines of risk and uncertainty have stood the test of time.