EconTalk Michael Munger on Constitutions
10 snips
Dec 20, 2021 
In this discussion, Michael Munger, a Duke University professor respected for his insights in public choice theory, challenges the necessity of a new constitution. He emphasizes the need for rules about rules rather than hasty reforms. Topics include the legitimacy of coercion in contracts, the complex philosophy surrounding taxation, and the risks of rejecting capitalism without understanding its nuances. Munger also critiques the waning relevance of the U.S. Constitution, highlighting the enduring significance of historical frameworks.
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Tacit Consent
- Tacit consent, like staying in a country, doesn't justify coercion.
- True consent requires active agreement, according to Buchanan.
Relatively Absolute Absolutes
- Buchanan uses "relatively absolute absolutes" to justify existing rules.
- These are accepted norms, providing stability, even if imperfect, echoing Burke's conservatism.
Conservatism and Rules
- Roberts highlights the conservative nature of respecting existing rules for societal stability.
- He emphasizes the importance of shared expectations over constant rule changes.
