|
|
Determinism, Path-depedence and Uncertainty: A Post-Keynesian Perspective
Máslo, Lukáš ; Chytil, Zdeněk (advisor) ; Janíčko, Martin (referee) ; Pastoráková, Erika (referee)
The thesis deals with analysis of conceptual-methodological issues examined in the framework of post-keynesian economics. The author´s goal is to supply a solution to the problem of a definition of determinism/non-determinism for both deterministic and stochastic systems and also to the problem of the prevailing confusion which surrounds the notion of reversibility/irreversibility in both path-dependent and traditional-equilibrist systems. The author regards the determinism/non-determinism problem as essentially linked to the problem of a definition of fundamental uncertainty. The key issues are being identified in the "problem of a generator of endogenous shocks" and the "selection - creation problem". Finding solutions to these enables us to take a stand on the validity/invalidity of the classical dichotomy, in the eyes of the author. Davidson´s interpretation of ergodicity and O´Donnell´s critique of this are being presented and, drawing on the latter, along with Álvarez-Ehnts´ critique, the author rejects a simplifying pattern of Davidson´s, according to which neoclassical economics is based on the ergodic axiom. The author suggests a solution to the "selection - creation problem" consisting in distinguishing epistemological determinism from ontological determinism on the one hand, and epistemological determinism from epistemological non-determinism on the other hand. While selection is a characteristic feature of epistemological determinism and, in effect, the realm of "fundamental certainty", creation is referred to by the author as a characteristic feature of epistemological non-determinism, i. e., in effect, the realm of fundamental uncertainty. The author regards the "problem of a generator of endogenous shocks" a self-contradictory notion, based on the principle of causality and the law of non-contradiction, and suggests a solution to the problem consisting in rejection of the concept of shock endogeneity. At the same time, the author rejects Davidson´s "fundamental neoclassical article of faith" rhetoric, based on the first cause argument implied by the principle of causality. In opposition to Davidson, the author regards fundamental uncertainty being of a basically epistemological nature, consisting in our ignorance of the "ultimate law of change", the "Devine formula". Unlike O´Donnell, however, who puts stress on the element of epistemological uncertainty in his epistemological approach to uncertainty, the author also puts stress on the element of ontological certainty, consisting in our knowledge of the existence of the "Devine formula", apart from our epistemological uncertainty.
|
|
|
Analysis of the PPP project in ensuring restrictive function of the state
Juříček, Petr ; Ševčík, Miroslav (advisor) ; Loužek, Marek (referee) ; Pastoráková, Erika (referee)
This dissertation examines the possibility of private sector involvement in financing the Czech prison system. In the Western World, this form of provision has now become common practice. The paper explores the possibilities of both full and partial participation of the private sector in the provision of one of the restrictive services that in the Czech Republic are delivered exclusively by the state. The theoretical section discusses different alternatives regarding the financial provision through public-private partnerships (PPP projects). These are viewed as part of a wider and comprehensive area of public contracting. Due to the absence of this form of provision in the Czech Republic, all information regarding this alternative has been sourced from foreign prison systems where private forms of prison service have a long tradition (e.g. the concept of privatization by Charles Logan). The findings are then applied and compared with the foundations of the Czech prison system (whose primary role is security and specialist provision) with respect to the economic efficiency of the whole system. A case study is presented which outlines different projections regarding operating costs in a sample of three American prisons with the aim to compare the estimated and real costs depending on the form of provision, i.e. by state or through private management. The research section of the dissertation uses data from the Feasibility study of building a private prison in the Czech Republic. Using calculated values, CBA analysis is employed to evaluate three possible alternatives of financing the construction of a private prison. To evaluate the costs, the following methods were used: the Public Sector Comparator, the DBFO model (Design -- Build -- Finance -- Organize) and the BOT model (Build -- Organize -- Transfer) which primarily utilizes the work potential of prisoners in relation to the increase of return on investment in penitentiary provision. The results of the BOT model showed that the mere existence of participation of a private partner in the Czech prison system can be beneficial as it introduces an important element of competition and basic principles of market economy into the system. However, greater efficiency can only be achieved provided that a more efficient system of settlement of outstanding debts of prisoners is employed. This requires a more sophisticated policy for employing prisoners.
|
guest ::
