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The foundations of contemporary economics: Gordon Tullock and public choice

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  • Henrik Egbert
  • Teodor Sedlarski

Abstract

A briefly summary is given of the path-breaking ideas of Gordon Tullock (1922-2014). Tullock can be considered one of the founders of public choice. He initiated a new way of thinking and applied rational choice theory to the political and juridical system. His ideas of rent-seeking behavior, majority voting, bureaucratic inefficiency, constitutional design, and the transfer of the public good problem to political decisions have become cornerstones of economic thought.

Suggested Citation

  • Henrik Egbert & Teodor Sedlarski, 2020. "The foundations of contemporary economics: Gordon Tullock and public choice," Economic Thought journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 1, pages 107-118.
    • Handle: RePEc:bas:econth:y:2020:i:1:p:107-118
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles Rowley & Daniel Houser, 2012. "The life and times of Gordon Tullock," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 152(1), pages 3-27, July.
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    11. Tullock, Gordon, 1971. "Public Decisions as Public Goods," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 79(4), pages 913-918, July-Aug..
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