The ‘means’ and the ‘ends’ of economic calculation: The missing aspect of an epochal dispute

Abstract

Current technological advances have revived the old socialist calculation debate. While the arguments on the socialist side appear to be backed by exciting technological developments, the pro‐market camp still mainly relies on the classical thinking of the Austrian school. A reasonable way to reinvigorate the free‐market thesis is to look at the ends of economic calculations, intentionally overlooked during the classical period of the debate. A valuable supplement to the contemporary pro‐market position could be found in the ordoliberal vision that emphasised the interdependence of various spheres and the power problem.