Coase and Bertrand on Lighthouses

13 Pages Posted: 8 Jul 2011

See all articles by Walter E. Block

Walter E. Block

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business

William Barnett

Loyola University New Orleans

Date Written: July 6, 2011

Abstract

Coase (Journal of Low and Economics 17(2):185-213, 1974) failed to appreciate that the construction and maintenance of nineteenth-century lighthouses were in part financed by British taxpayers. Bertrand (Cambridge Journal of Economics 30:389-402, 2006) rightly calls him to account. While agreeing with Bertrand’s conclusion, we dispute her reasoning and argue that lighthouses nevertheless could have been supplied by the private sector.

Suggested Citation

Block, Walter E. and Barnett, William, Coase and Bertrand on Lighthouses (July 6, 2011). Public Choice, Vol. 140, pp. 1-13, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1880156

Walter E. Block (Contact Author)

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business ( email )

6363 St. Charles Avenue
Box 15, Miller 321
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States
(504) 864-7944 (Phone)
(504) 864-7970 (Fax)

William Barnett

Loyola University New Orleans ( email )

526 Pine Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States

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