Theoretical Research on Western Public Finance

Author: Chen Baosen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: Historical materialism holds that fiscal and economic theories belong to the superstructure, serving the economic base while also reacting upon it. The economic base, in turn, refers to the economic system at a certain stage of social development, which is a sum of production relations. Theories are never a priori but arise under specific production relations. Without understanding the historical context, one cannot grasp why a theory emerged, its historical role, why it dominated during a certain period, and why it eventually declined or faded into history. Therefore, while discussing Western fiscal and economic theories, this book dedicates a portion to describing the historical backgrounds of various theories, aiming to place them in their original environments to deepen understanding. When discussing historical contexts, emphasis is placed on three aspects: First, the development and changes in productivity and production relations during that period; second, the corresponding shifts in class power dynamics and political structures; and third, the changes in fiscal and tax systems to adapt to these developments.