Markets with Limits: How the Commodification of Academia Derails Debate

James Stacey Taylor argues that current debates over the moral limits of markets have derailed by focusing on a market-critical position that almost nobody holds and an argument that trade in certain goods or services is wrongful solely because of what it would communicate. He develops a taxonomy of the positions that are actually held by critics of markets and clarifies the role played in current moral and political philosophy by arguments that justify or condemn certain actions owing in part to what they communicate. He concludes with suggestions to encourage academics to conduct research in accord with academic norms and improve its quality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his book "Markets with Limits," James Stacey Taylor challenges the prevailing debates surrounding the moral boundaries of markets. He argues that these discussions have deviated from the actual positions held by market critics, focusing on a market-critical stance that suggests certain goods and services should never be bought or sold. Taylor further contends that the arguments supporting this position, which claim that trade in certain goods or services is wrongful solely due to its communicative implications, are rarely, if ever, held by anyone.

To address these issues, Taylor develops a comprehensive taxonomy of the positions held by critics of markets. He clarifies the role played by arguments that justify or condemn certain actions based on their communicative effects in current moral and political philosophy. Taylor argues that the debates have been misguided because they were conducted within the framework of market norms rather than academic standards. He suggests that this demonstrates the need for market thinking to be excluded from academic research.

Markets with Limits concludes with practical suggestions aimed at encouraging academics to conduct their research in accordance with academic norms. Taylor highlights the primary exegetical errors made by Jason Brennan and Peter Jaworski in their influential book "Markets Without Limits" and proposes ways to rectify them. He also argues that the widespread belief that semiotic objections to markets are prevalent in the literature is unfounded, with such objections being rare or nonexistent.

In conclusion, "Markets with Limits" offers a valuable contribution to the debate over the moral limits of markets. By challenging the prevailing narratives and providing a clear taxonomy of the actual positions held by critics, Taylor helps to reorient the discussions toward a more informed and rigorous approach. His suggestions for improving the exegetical quality of academic research are particularly relevant and should be taken seriously by scholars and policymakers alike.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032171487