The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society

The Nobel-winning economist Stiglitz examines the relationship between capitalism and freedom in his book "The Road to Freedom." He challenges the narrative of neoliberalism and argues that it reduces economic opportunities and wealth for the majority, while increasing freedom for corporations. Stiglitz reclaims the language of freedom from the right and offers an alternative to the prevailing economic and social system that aims to create true human flourishing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Despite its glaring shortcomings, the narrative of neoliberalism continues to hold sway over the public imagination and the policies of governments worldwide. According to this narrative, less regulation and more "animal spirits capitalism" leads to greater prosperity and more freedom for individuals within society, making it morally superior. However, in his book "The Road to Freedom," economist Stiglitz raises crucial questions about the nature of freedom and its implications. He challenges the notion that freedom should solely be measured by economic growth and enterprise, asking who we should be thinking about when considering freedom. What happens when one person's freedom comes at the expense of another? Should corporations be allowed to infringe upon the freedoms of individuals in the ways they currently do?

Stiglitz takes on giants of neoliberalism, such as Hayek and Friedman, and delves into how public opinion is shaped. He reclaims the language of freedom from the right, demonstrating that far from promoting growth and enterprise, unregulated markets actually reduce freedom. He shows how neoliberal economics and its moral system have impacted our legal and social freedoms in surprising ways, from property and intellectual rights to education and social media.

Stiglitz's focus remains on how we can create true human flourishing, which should be the ultimate goal of our economic and social system. He offers an alternative to the prevailing system, advocating for policies that prioritize social welfare, equality, and sustainability.

"The Road to Freedom" is a powerful re-evaluation of democracy, economics, and what constitutes a good society. It provides a roadmap of how we might achieve it, challenging us to rethink our priorities and strive for a more just and equitable world. Through his insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Stiglitz offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of our society.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 242 x 160 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241687888