Published by De Gruyter Oldenbourg

Volume 66 Issue 1

Issue of ORDO

Contents
Journal Overview

May 11, 2016

Fragen der Gesellschafts- und Wirtschaftspolitik

May 11, 2016

Noteninflation im deutschen Schulsystem – Macht das Abitur hochschulreif? / Grade Inflation in the German school system

Fabian Schleithoff

Page range: 3-26

Abstract

The high school diploma (Abitur) constitutes a formal qualification for the university education of German students. The positive development of the final grades is subject of a controversial discussion in recent years. Critics talk about grade inflation. In this paper a two-step procedure is used in order to examine this phenomenon. First, the analysis of exam results in 21 school subjects (in ten German states) reveals positive significant grade trends. Afterwards the exam results are brought into connection with the results of different competence tests and the rate of premature withdrawal from studies. Notwithstanding certain indications, grade inflation for the German school system cannot be proven finally. At least, the relevance of the Abitur as certificate of suitability for higher education should be questioned. Therefore students′ ability tests are recommended as relevant part of the selection process in order to choose the most suitable applicants.

May 11, 2016

Paternalistic Economic Policies: Foundations, Implications and Critical Evaluations

Rainer Klump, Manuel Wörsdörfer

Page range: 27-60

Abstract

The article analyzes the inherent risks of paternalistic economic policies associated with the newly established economic sub-disciplines of behavioral economics, happiness economics and economic psychology. While the authors in general welcome these sub-disciplines for enriching and critically evaluating mainstream economics - especially their criticism of the Homo oeconomicus ‘heuristics’ is of great value contributing to a more realistic idea of man -, the derived implications and recommended lessons for economic policy should be received with concern and thus be subjected to a critical constitutional politico-economic review. The article also shows that the new economic sub-disciplines are not necessarily accompanied by a paternalistic style of politics; traditional, constitutional-political recommendations can also be derived from the (new) ‘normative economics’: The happiness economics approach by Frey et al., for example, not only avoids the inherent risks of a paternalistic state, it also stands (more) in the Kantian and constitutional economics traditions taking the autonomy and (citizen) sovereignty of people, human dignity and (the protection of) human rights seriously. It thus seems to be better suited for a modern version of Ordnungspolitik.

May 11, 2016

Politische Folgen finanzwissenschaftlicher Konzepte / Political consequence of public finance

Charles B. Blankart

Page range: 61-80

Abstract

The first part of the paper describes concepts and consequences of public finance in the past such as Roman governance, medieval feudalism, political anarchy, German cameralism and French mercantilism. These concepts are then confronted with actual concepts of public finance such as British optimal taxation and public choice. The former considers the welfare costs of taxation, but ignores the opportunity costs of competing projects. The latter integrates both, welfare economics and opportunity costs in the constitutional concept of a citizens′ tax.

May 11, 2016

Von Hayek lernen: Wissen und Freiheit, Recht und Gesetzgebung / Learning from Hayek: Knowledge and Liberty, Law and Legislation

Erich Weede

Page range: 81-96

Abstract

It is suggested that Hayek′s ideas about knowledge are the focus of his theory of society. This approach to Hayek′s theory implies the opportunity that one may discuss the falsifiability of Hayek′s theory, as one should according to Popper′s approach to scientific research. According to Hayek, knowledge is a broad concept. There is theoretical and practical knowledge, explicit and implicit knowledge. Some knowledge is local. Other knowledge is valid irrespective of time and locality. Essential to Hayek′s view is the claim that knowledge cannot be centralized, that only individual freedom and decentralized decision-making permit the exploitation and accumulation of knowledge. In Hayek′s view, the relationship between implicit and explicit knowledge is similar to the relationship between tradition and law. He prefers finding the law, being guided by tradition and precedents as in the common law, to legislation which may easily result in too much government. One may argue in favor of Hayek′s theory that attempts to centralize knowledge and decision-making, or reductions of economic freedom, always decreased human well-being and economic growth. This is true for the ‚great leap forward‘ in China. The analysis of partitioned or formerly partitioned societies leads to a similar finding. Econometric studies of the effects of economic freedom also underline its beneficial effects. As Hayek recognized, economic freedom does not only benefit the free, but also those who still suffer from a lack of freedom. The advantages of backwardness which are robust in econometric studies are interpreted from this perspective as an external effect of Western liberty. Finally, the issue of anomalies in Hayek′s theory is discussed.

Europäische Integrationspolitik

May 11, 2016

Europäische Integration am Wendepunkt? Zum möglichen Austritt Großbritanniens aus der EU / European integration at a turning point? Consequences of a British exit for the EU

Renate Ohr

Page range: 99-114

Abstract

With the Lisbon Treaty a right of withdrawal has been incorporated into the EU law for the first time. This paper examines what consequences the planned British referendum on EU withdrawal may have for the EU. In addition to the direct effects on trade and FDI there would be a strong impact on the balance of power and the internal stability of the EU. As the euro crisis is identified as a possible driving force for a British exit, a solid solution for the euro zone is necessary to keep a country like UK in the EU. Sticking to an unchanged euro zone may endanger the stability of the entire EU and thus lead to a turning point in the European integration process.

May 11, 2016

Begünstigungen und Schranken in der europäischen Unternehmensbesteuerung – eine evolutorisch-ökonomische Sicht / Preferential treatments and barriers in the European company taxation – an evolutionary-economic perspective

Marco C. Melle

Page range: 115-146

Abstract

The intention of the present paper is to investigate and evaluate rule transfers in the European company taxation from an evolutionary-economic perspective. In the literature total competition respectively „harmonisation from below“ and total harmonisation respectively „harmonisation from above“ seem to stand irreconcilably against each other while a middle way of minimal harmonisation in a common economic and monetary area is largely neglected. In contrast it shall be asked here if not a certain diversity of taxation is realistic instead of harmonisation from above. If the answer is yes, then it is worth considering for the European company taxes a political compromise between competition and harmonisation in order to confront tax obstacles in the single market.

May 11, 2016

‚Stairway to Heaven‘ oder ‚Highway to Hell‘? – Eine Einschätzung der Europäischen Bankenunion / ‚Stairway to Heaven‘ or ‚Highway to Hell‘? – An Evaluation of the European Banking Union

Uwe Vollmer

Page range: 147-174

Abstract

The paper describes the main pillars of the European Banking Union (EBU) and discusses its economic justification from the viewpoint of banking theory. The following aspects stand central: Avoidance of regulatory arbitrage, conflicts of interest between the monetary policy and the regulatory unit within ECB, credibility problems of bank resolution schemes, and adverse incentives of deposit insurance guarantees. The paper reviews the literature on banking regulation and scrutinizes the existing EBU-rules. It also asks what rules are missing to enhance the stability of the banking sector in Europe.

May 11, 2016

Europäische Bankenunion in einem interventionistischen Ordnungsmilieu / A European Banking Union in an interventionist environment

Alfred Schüller

Page range: 175-192

Abstract

This paper considers the proposed European Banking Union (EBU) as part of the institutional economic system of the European Union, in particular with regard to its relationship with the European central bank (ECB). Taking into account the fact that the EU administrations′ attitudes towards economic institutions tend to favour the French tradition of economic interventionism, this contribution considers the likely consequences for the operation of the EBU and its economic implications. This institutional economic analysis of the proposed plans for the EBU aims to contribute to Uwe Vollmer′s evaluation of the EBU proposals discussed in the article ‘Stairway to Heaven oder Highway to Hell’ earlier in this volume.

Aktuelle Probleme der Wirtschafts- und Wettbewerbspolitik im Internet

May 11, 2016

10 Jahre YouTube: Von dem Aufstieg einer Plattform und der Entwicklung neuer Märkte zum Kollateralschaden einer Google-Regulierung? / 10 Years YouTube: From the Arising of a Platform and the Development of new Markets to a Collateral Damage in case of Google- Regulation?

Wiebke Roß, Jens Weghake

Page range: 195-220

Abstract

YouTube was established ten years ago and was integrated by Google in the following year. Since then, YouTube has developed into a multisided platform with remarkable importance for the entertainment industry. We show that YouTube provides an environment for new innovative markets to prosper, which may be changed if public authorities regulate Google.

May 11, 2016

Eine alternative Definition von Suchneutralität / An alternative definition of search neutrality

Ralf Dewenter, Hendrik Lüth

Page range: 221-242

Abstract

This paper proposes a new and more economically motivated definition of search neutrality. To deliver relevant results for each query a search engine has to choose from a large range of potential hits and rank results in a certain order. In the course of doing so, a search engine has to apply a set of relevance criteria, which is necessarily shaped by its own judgements. Therefore calls for „objective“ or „fair“ search results seem to be illusionary and misled. As we see an analogy between Internet search and the editorial selection process in media outlets, we define search neutrality negatively in terms of a media bias. According to our proposed definition, non-neutral search results differ systematically, sustainably and intentionally from user preferences in order to generate additional profit for the search provider.

May 11, 2016

Ordnungsökonomische Aspekte der Sharing Economy / Sharing Economy and Regulation

Heidi Dittmann, Björn A. Kuchinke

Page range: 243-262

Abstract

While for a long time, processes of economic interchange have been characterised by the transfer of ownership of goods, sharing and collective consumption of existing resources gain in importance. This phenomenon is nowadays referred to as Sharing Economy. First of all, the paper presents an overview of the existing literature, pointing out characteristics and types as well as effects of the Sharing Economy. Subsequently, those claimed effects are critically reviewed. The essential findings are, firstly, the main advantages claimed, such as the reduction of asymmetric information or a higher utilisation of existing resources, are basically derived from the general technical progress and not from the sharing of goods and services. Secondly, entrepreneurial behaviour in the Sharing Economy shows no substantial differences in comparison with the Standard Economy. Rather there are found similarities to the theory of two- or multi-sided markets. Thirdly, the success and the claimed advantages of the Sharing Economy basically result from the non-compliance with the existing regulation. This, however, can be regarded as a violating of the principles of fair competition.

May 11, 2016

Is Amazon The Next Google?

Oliver Budzinski, Karoline Henrike Köhler

Page range: 263-288

Abstract

Dominant or apparently dominant internet platform increasingly become subject to both antitrust investigations and further-reaching political calls for regulation. While Google is currently in the focus of the discussion, the next candidate is already on the horizon - the ubiquitous online trading platform Amazon. Competitors and suppliers but also famous economists like Paul Krugman unite in criticizing Amazon′s market power and alleged abuse of it. In this paper, we collect the multitude of allegations against Amazon and categorize them according to types of potential anticompetitive conduct or types of market failure. We provide an economic analysis of these allegations based upon economic theory as well as publicly available information and data. As one of our main results, we find that the most severe allegations against Amazon do not hold from an economic perspective and, consequently, do not warrant regulation or other drastic interventions (like breaking the company up). However, several areas of conduct, in particular, the use of best price clauses and the (anti-) competitive interplay of Amazon and the major publishers in the e-book market require competition policy action. The standard antitrust instruments, enriched with modern economic theory, should suffice to disincentivize the identified anticompetitive conduct for now.

Ludwig Erhard und die Soziale Marktwirtschaft

May 11, 2016

Die Aktualität von Erhards marktwirtschaftlicher Politik

Horst Friedrich Wünsche

Page range: 291-296

May 11, 2016

„Kennen Sie eigentlich den?“ Anmerkungen zu Ludwig Erhard und Horst Friedrich Wünsches Buch über ihn

Hans Jörg Hennecke

Page range: 297-302

May 11, 2016

Der verkannte Ludwig Erhard? Anmerkungen zum Buch von Horst Friedrich Wünsche

Julian Dörr

Page range: 303-310

May 11, 2016

Die Ordoliberalen: Vordenker von Erhards Sozialer Marktwirtschaft oder Waffenbrüder?

Anmerkungen zum Buch von Horst Friedrich Wünsche

Patricia Commun

Page range: 311-316

Reden und Würdigungen

May 11, 2016

Hayek and the Meaning of Subjectivism

Israel M. Kirzner

Page range: 319-330

Zum Tod von Prof. Dr. Peter Oberender

May 11, 2016

Ein Ökonom freiheitlicher Prägung – Zum Gedenken an Peter Oberender

Jürgen Zerth, Elmar Nass

Page range: 333-336

May 11, 2016

Peter Oberender: Universitätsprofessor, Wissenschaftsorganisator, Unternehmer

Ulrich Fehl

Page range: 337-342

Zur Verleihung des Nobelpreises für Wirtschaft 2015

May 11, 2016

Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences to Angus Deaton

Axel Börsch-Supan

Page range: 345-348

Buchbesprechungen

May 11, 2016

Inhalt

Page range: 351-352

May 11, 2016

Contemporary Research in Sports Economics: Proceedings of the 5th ESEA Conference

Besprechung des von Oliver Budzinski und Arne Feddersen herausgegebenen gleichnamigen Tagungsbandes

Michael Barth

Page range: 353-359

May 11, 2016

Ökonomen im Schatten des Hakenkreuzes

In welchem Verhältnis stehen deutsche Nationalökonomen der dreißiger Jahre zu den Nationalsozialisten?

Hanno Beck

Page range: 359-362

May 11, 2016

Ein Klassiker im Schnelldurchgang

Soll man heute noch Adam Smith lesen?

Hanno Beck

Page range: 363-366

May 11, 2016

Die Euro-Bombe wird entschärft

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Wilhelm Hankel

Edoardo Beretta

Page range: 367-370

May 11, 2016

Entnationalisierung des Geldes. Schriften zur Währungspolitik und Währungsordnung

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Friedrich A. von Hayek

Helge Hannaske

Page range: 370-372

May 11, 2016

Gesellschaftliche, kulturelle und sozialpolitische Herausforderungen des demographischen Wandels

Anmerkungen zum Sammelband „Humanität einer alternden Gesellschaft“ von Andreas Kruse, Giovanni Maio und Jörg Althammer

Christian Hecker

Page range: 373-376

May 11, 2016

Cognitive Autonomy and Methodological Individualism. The Interpretative Foundations of Social Life

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Francesco di Iorio

Johanna Hochloff

Page range: 376-379

May 11, 2016

Libertärer Paternalismus. Untersuchungen zur Ordnungstheorie und Ordnungspolitik

Besprechung des gleichnamigen Bandes von Robert Neumann

Karen Horn

Page range: 379-385

May 11, 2016

Zur Vorziehenswürdigkeit von Autokratie und Demokratie im Transformationsprozess

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Holger Koch

Bodo Knoll

Page range: 385-387

May 11, 2016

Two interactive masterminds

Hayek′s fluctuating fascination for John Stuart Mill′s system of thought

Stefan Kolev

Page range: 387-396

May 11, 2016

The economist as public intellectual: an endangered species?

Walter Lippmann′s unique public impact as an impulse for today′s economics

Stefan Kolev

Page range: 396-406

May 11, 2016

Luther, Libertarians und die Soziale Marktwirtschaft

Bemerkungen zu einer von Harald Jung vorgelegten Monographie

Christian Müller

Page range: 406-411

May 11, 2016

Das Naturrecht in der Wirtschafts- und Sozialethik

Bemerkungen zu einem von Herbert Pribyl und Christian Machek herausgegebenen Tagungsband

Christian Müller

Page range: 411-415

May 11, 2016

Wirtschaftsethik. Vom freien Markt bis zur Share Economy

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Nils Ole Oermann

Ingo Pies

Page range: 415-418

May 11, 2016

Kann eine christliche Wirtschaftsethik ohne ökonomische Kompetenz auskommen?

Anmerkungen zum Buch von Franz Segbers „Ökonomie, die dem Leben dient“

Ingo Pies

Page range: 419-423

May 11, 2016

Lebensmittel zwischen Illusion und Wirklichkeit

Anmerkungen zu dem gleichnamigen Buch von Stefan Leible

Marion Preuß

Page range: 424-428

May 11, 2016

Behavioral Economics

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Hanno Beck

Christian Schubert

Page range: 428-436

May 11, 2016

Kurzbesprechungen

Heidi Dittmann, Detmar Doering, Nils Goldschmidt, Gerd Habermann, Dirk Meyer, Georg Rüter, Friedrich Schneider, Klaus Vollert

Page range: 437-450

May 11, 2016

Personenregister

Page range: 451-458

May 11, 2016

Sachregister

Page range: 459-462

May 11, 2016

Anschriften der Autoren

Page range: 463-470

About this journal

About ORDO

ORDO is a peer-reviewed academic journal first published by Walter Eucken and Franz Böhm in 1948. It focuses on the economic and political institutions governing modern society. Its mission is to provide a forum of debate for scholars of diverse disciplines such as economics, law, political science, sociology, and philosophy.

Contributors include Nobel laureates James M. Buchanan, Milton Friedman, Friedrich von Hayek, and George J. Stigler, as well as Lord Peter Thomas Bauer, Franz Böhm, Gottfried Haberler, Erich Hoppmann, Otmar Issing, Paul Kirchhof, Israel M. Kirzner, Frank H. Knight, Irving Kristol, Ludwig Lachmann, Assar Lindbeck, Friedrich A. Lutz, Fritz W. Meyer, Alfred Müller-Armack, Sir Karl R. Popper, Wilhelm Röpke, Jacques Rueff, Carl Christian von Weizsäcker, Arthur Woll, and many other notable scholars.

ORDO also contains book reviews. Articles are published in German or in English. If you wish to contribute, please read our submission guidelines.

Volume 66 Issue 1

Issue of ORDO

Vorwort

Inhalt

Noteninflation im deutschen Schulsystem – Macht das Abitur hochschulreif? / Grade Inflation in the German school system

Abstract

Paternalistic Economic Policies: Foundations, Implications and Critical Evaluations

Abstract

Politische Folgen finanzwissenschaftlicher Konzepte / Political consequence of public finance

Abstract

Von Hayek lernen: Wissen und Freiheit, Recht und Gesetzgebung / Learning from Hayek: Knowledge and Liberty, Law and Legislation

Abstract

Europäische Integration am Wendepunkt? Zum möglichen Austritt Großbritanniens aus der EU / European integration at a turning point? Consequences of a British exit for the EU

Abstract

Begünstigungen und Schranken in der europäischen Unternehmensbesteuerung – eine evolutorisch-ökonomische Sicht / Preferential treatments and barriers in the European company taxation – an evolutionary-economic perspective

Abstract

‚Stairway to Heaven‘ oder ‚Highway to Hell‘? – Eine Einschätzung der Europäischen Bankenunion / ‚Stairway to Heaven‘ or ‚Highway to Hell‘? – An Evaluation of the European Banking Union

Abstract

Europäische Bankenunion in einem interventionistischen Ordnungsmilieu / A European Banking Union in an interventionist environment

Abstract

10 Jahre YouTube: Von dem Aufstieg einer Plattform und der Entwicklung neuer Märkte zum Kollateralschaden einer Google-Regulierung? / 10 Years YouTube: From the Arising of a Platform and the Development of new Markets to a Collateral Damage in case of Google- Regulation?

Abstract

Eine alternative Definition von Suchneutralität / An alternative definition of search neutrality

Abstract

Ordnungsökonomische Aspekte der Sharing Economy / Sharing Economy and Regulation

Abstract

Is Amazon The Next Google?

Abstract

Die Aktualität von Erhards marktwirtschaftlicher Politik

„Kennen Sie eigentlich den?“ Anmerkungen zu Ludwig Erhard und Horst Friedrich Wünsches Buch über ihn

Der verkannte Ludwig Erhard? Anmerkungen zum Buch von Horst Friedrich Wünsche

Die Ordoliberalen: Vordenker von Erhards Sozialer Marktwirtschaft oder Waffenbrüder?

Anmerkungen zum Buch von Horst Friedrich Wünsche

Hayek and the Meaning of Subjectivism

Ein Ökonom freiheitlicher Prägung – Zum Gedenken an Peter Oberender

Peter Oberender: Universitätsprofessor, Wissenschaftsorganisator, Unternehmer

Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences to Angus Deaton

Inhalt

Contemporary Research in Sports Economics: Proceedings of the 5th ESEA Conference

Besprechung des von Oliver Budzinski und Arne Feddersen herausgegebenen gleichnamigen Tagungsbandes

Ökonomen im Schatten des Hakenkreuzes

In welchem Verhältnis stehen deutsche Nationalökonomen der dreißiger Jahre zu den Nationalsozialisten?

Ein Klassiker im Schnelldurchgang

Soll man heute noch Adam Smith lesen?

Die Euro-Bombe wird entschärft

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Wilhelm Hankel

Entnationalisierung des Geldes. Schriften zur Währungspolitik und Währungsordnung

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Friedrich A. von Hayek

Gesellschaftliche, kulturelle und sozialpolitische Herausforderungen des demographischen Wandels

Anmerkungen zum Sammelband „Humanität einer alternden Gesellschaft“ von Andreas Kruse, Giovanni Maio und Jörg Althammer

Cognitive Autonomy and Methodological Individualism. The Interpretative Foundations of Social Life

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Francesco di Iorio

Libertärer Paternalismus. Untersuchungen zur Ordnungstheorie und Ordnungspolitik

Besprechung des gleichnamigen Bandes von Robert Neumann

Zur Vorziehenswürdigkeit von Autokratie und Demokratie im Transformationsprozess

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Holger Koch

Two interactive masterminds

Hayek′s fluctuating fascination for John Stuart Mill′s system of thought

The economist as public intellectual: an endangered species?

Walter Lippmann′s unique public impact as an impulse for today′s economics

Luther, Libertarians und die Soziale Marktwirtschaft

Bemerkungen zu einer von Harald Jung vorgelegten Monographie

Das Naturrecht in der Wirtschafts- und Sozialethik

Bemerkungen zu einem von Herbert Pribyl und Christian Machek herausgegebenen Tagungsband

Wirtschaftsethik. Vom freien Markt bis zur Share Economy

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Nils Ole Oermann

Kann eine christliche Wirtschaftsethik ohne ökonomische Kompetenz auskommen?

Anmerkungen zum Buch von Franz Segbers „Ökonomie, die dem Leben dient“

Lebensmittel zwischen Illusion und Wirklichkeit

Anmerkungen zu dem gleichnamigen Buch von Stefan Leible

Behavioral Economics

Anmerkungen zum gleichnamigen Buch von Hanno Beck

Kurzbesprechungen

Personenregister

Sachregister

Anschriften der Autoren