Maurice Byé and François Perroux: Convergences and Divergences of Two Catholic Economists

Abstract

Aversion to liberalism and socialism was indeed a trademark of Catholic economic thought from Rerum Novarum onwards and therefore many Catholic economists are to be found among those looking for a third way. François Perroux and Maurice Byé were among the most prominent of them. They partook a closeness to the Catholic church and a good knowledge of Brazil through their missions in this country. But they differed in their methodology and in their approach to the European Union. Byé remained firmly rooted in the methodological individualism whereas Perroux’ approach seem too fuzzy to be characterized. These differences are obvious in their treatment of the European issues where Perroux’ stance for a Europe without shores contrasts with Byé’s successful recommendations for a step-by-step construction of the Little Europe. After six decades it is time to bring Byé out of the shadows.

Citation

Alcouffe, A. (2022), "Maurice Byé and François Perroux: Convergences and Divergences of Two Catholic Economists", Fiorito, L., Scheall, S. and Suprinyak, C.E. (Ed.) Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology: Including a Symposium on the Work of François Perroux (Research in the History of Economic Thought and Methodology, Vol. 40C), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 109-125. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0743-41542022000040C005