Author: Robbins, L.

Publication Year: 1975

Media Type: Book

Summary:

Abstract:

Why should the taxpayer provide money for the arts? Why should not the whole business be left to consumer demand? If people want art they will buy it; if not, why should it be produced? It is not only the authors of the coarser contributions to the correspondence columns of the press who take this line. I have known quite sophisticated people with slightly doctrinaire inclinations who have thought themselves, or talked themselves, into attitudes of this sort.

Now clearly this is not a question which can be answered by reference to scientific economics. It is a question of ultimate values, a question of what you think to be the purpose and function of the state as the authoritarian element in society, a question of political philosophy. Economics comes in only when you want to know the implications of your decisions in this respect, implications as regards proportions, incentives and machinery. (p. 175-188)

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Community Development