Kameralism
Encyclopedia
Cameralism was a German science of administration. According to Lindenfeld, it was divided into three: public finance
, Oeconomie and Polizei. Here Oeconomie did not mean exactly 'economics
', nor Polizei 'public policy
' in the modern senses. Cameralism was the German counterpart of the French
mercantilism
of Jean-Baptiste Colbert
, and developed also in the 18th century.
In its origins, it was an educational path for the civil servants of the royal chamber, hence its name. The administrator of the royal finances was called camerarius. Cameralism is a predecessor of the modern science of public administration.
). According to the published teachings of cameralist academics, the state should not only focus on maintaining the law but should also promote the collective prosperity. Its stated objective was to mobilize the resources of land and population in service of the common good. There is, however, considerable debate about whether cameralist policy reflected the stated goals of academic cameralism.
established professoriates in cameralism at the universities of Frankfurt an der Oder and Halle. The best known professor of cameralism was Johann Heinrich Gottlob Justi
(1717-1771), who linked cameralism and the idea of natural law with each other. The University of Utrecht
also established a professorate in cameralism.
There are, today, differing opinions about the meaning and legacy of cameralism. Some, like Keith Tribe, have defined it as a university science. Others, like David Lindenfeld, have focused on its practical dimensions. More recently, Andre Wakefield has suggested that cameralism functioned as publicity, or even propaganda, for the early modern fiscal state.
Public finance
Public finance is the revenue and expenditure of public authoritiesThe purview of public finance is considered to be threefold: governmental effects on efficient allocation of resources, distribution of income, and macroeconomic stabilization.-Overview:The proper role of government provides a...
, Oeconomie and Polizei. Here Oeconomie did not mean exactly 'economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
', nor Polizei 'public policy
Public policy
Public policy as government action is generally the principled guide to action taken by the administrative or executive branches of the state with regard to a class of issues in a manner consistent with law and institutional customs. In general, the foundation is the pertinent national and...
' in the modern senses. Cameralism was the German counterpart of the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
mercantilism
Mercantilism
Mercantilism is the economic doctrine in which government control of foreign trade is of paramount importance for ensuring the prosperity and security of the state. In particular, it demands a positive balance of trade. Mercantilism dominated Western European economic policy and discourse from...
of Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Jean-Baptiste Colbert was a French politician who served as the Minister of Finances of France from 1665 to 1683 under the rule of King Louis XIV. His relentless hard work and thrift made him an esteemed minister. He achieved a reputation for his work of improving the state of French manufacturing...
, and developed also in the 18th century.
In its origins, it was an educational path for the civil servants of the royal chamber, hence its name. The administrator of the royal finances was called camerarius. Cameralism is a predecessor of the modern science of public administration.
The case of Prussia
The first academic chairs in the cameral sciences were established at the Prussian universities of Halle and Frankfurt an der Oder in 1727. Cameralism has often been viewed as the science of government, dedicated to reforming society and promoting economic development in the lands of 18th-century Germany (Holy Roman EmpireHoly Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empire was a realm that existed from 962 to 1806 in Central Europe.It was ruled by the Holy Roman Emperor. Its character changed during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, when the power of the emperor gradually weakened in favour of the princes...
). According to the published teachings of cameralist academics, the state should not only focus on maintaining the law but should also promote the collective prosperity. Its stated objective was to mobilize the resources of land and population in service of the common good. There is, however, considerable debate about whether cameralist policy reflected the stated goals of academic cameralism.
Academic status
In the 18th century the need for administrative expertise grew. King Frederick William I of PrussiaFrederick William I of Prussia
Frederick William I of the House of Hohenzollern, was the King in Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg from 1713 until his death...
established professoriates in cameralism at the universities of Frankfurt an der Oder and Halle. The best known professor of cameralism was Johann Heinrich Gottlob Justi
Johann Heinrich Gottlob Justi
Johann Heinrich Gottlob von Justi was one of the leading German political economists in the 18th century.- Life :Justi was born in Brücken...
(1717-1771), who linked cameralism and the idea of natural law with each other. The University of Utrecht
Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a university in Utrecht, Netherlands. It is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. Established March 26, 1636, it had an enrollment of 29,082 students in 2008, and employed 8,614 faculty and staff, 570 of which are full professors....
also established a professorate in cameralism.
There are, today, differing opinions about the meaning and legacy of cameralism. Some, like Keith Tribe, have defined it as a university science. Others, like David Lindenfeld, have focused on its practical dimensions. More recently, Andre Wakefield has suggested that cameralism functioned as publicity, or even propaganda, for the early modern fiscal state.