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«The Good Policy of the Magistrate»: Deflation as a Policy Option in David Hume's Economic Essays

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  • Maria Pia Paganelli

    (Yeshiva University - Department of Economics)

Abstract

In his 1752 essay Of Money, David Hume proposes that a «good policy» for a magistrate would be to keep money «still encreasing». This paper proposes that, for Hume, money can be kept «still encreasing» through deflationary policies, rather than through inflationary policies as commonly presented in the literature. Decreasing the quantity of money in circulation in an open economy decreases prices and gives a competitive edge to the country’s products. The increase in exports «keeps money still encreasing». Deflation may be achieved through the promotion of hoarding and non-monetary uses of precious metals. The position of this paper is derived from a close reading of Hume’s texts, an analysis of his examples, and an examination of some 18th century beliefs on money.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Pia Paganelli, 2007. "«The Good Policy of the Magistrate»: Deflation as a Policy Option in David Hume's Economic Essays," History of Economic Ideas, Fabrizio Serra Editore, Pisa - Roma, vol. 15(3), pages 9-25.
    • Handle: RePEc:hid:journl:v:15:y:2007:3:1:p:9-25
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    Cited by:

    1. Laurent Le Maux, 2014. "Cantillon And Hume On Money And Banking: The Foundations Of Two Theoretical Traditions," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(5), pages 956-970, December.
    2. Maria Pia Paganelli, 2014. "David Hume on Banking and Hoarding," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 80(4), pages 968-980, April.

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