Mimo Draskovic

University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro,

rookie@t-com.me

ROOTS AND PARADOXES

OF NEOLIBERAL APOLOGETICS

Abstract.In both economic theory and practice, there is a dichotomy between individual behavior and institutional structure. It causes the problem of finding a non-conflict „co-evolution“ of individuals and institutions. Systemic motivation, the ways of business regulation and economic development directly depend on the degree of compliance between individuals and institutions. In this article we will try to explain the difference between the theoretical level, where methodological individualism and methodological holism irreconcilably distance themselves, and the practical level, where synthesis (institutional pluralism) between polarized  institutional monisms becomes possible. Socioeconomic development essentially requires institutional pluralism, which per se excludes all forms of institutional monism and the existence of resulting alternative institutions. We can conclude that neoliberal apologetics can be called a specific form of neoliberal (elitist) dirigisme, because it indirectly justifies and  protects  quasi-neoliberal  interests  of  the  so-called

„new elite“.

Received: September, 2015

1st Revision: October, 2015

Accepted: January, 2016

DOI: 10.14254/2071- 789X.2016/9-1/14

JEL Classification: O17, P37

Keywords: neoliberal apologetics, methodological  individualism, methodological holism, institutional pluralism.