The Half-Life of Policy Rationales: How New Technology Affects Old Policy Issues

Fred E. Foldvary

ISBN 10: 0814747760 / ISBN 13: 9780814747766

Published by New York University Press, 2003

About this Item

Used copy in good condition - Usually dispatched within 3 working days.

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Half-Life of Policy Rationales: How New Technology Affects Old Policy Issues
• Publisher: New York University Press
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0814747760
• ISBN 13: 9780814747766
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 999 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The Half-Life of Policy Rationales argues that the appropriateness of policy depends on the state of technology, and that the justifications for many public policies are dissolving as technology advances. As new detection and metering technologies are being developed for highways, parking, and auto emissions, and information becomes more accessible and user-friendly, this volume argues that quality and safety are better handled by the private sector. As for public utilities, new means of producing and delivering electricity, water, postal, and telephone services dissolve the old natural-monopolies rationales of the government.
This volume includes essays on marine resources, lighthouses, highways, parking, auto emissions, consumer product safety, money and banking, medical licensing, electricity, water delivery, postal service, community governance, and endangered species. The editors have mobilized the hands-on knowledge of field experts to develop theories about technology and public policy. The Half-Life of Policy Rationales will be of interest to readers in public policy, technology, property rights, and economics.

About the Authors

Fred E. Foldvary is a Lecturer in Economics at Santa Clara University. He is author of Public Goods and Private Communities and Dictionary of Free Market Economics.

Daniel B. Klein is Associate Professor of Economics at Santa Clara University. He is co-author of Curb Rights: A Foundation for Free Enterprise in Urban Transit and editor of Reputation: Studies in the Voluntary Elicitation of Good Conduct and What Do Economists Contribute?, available from NYU Press.