Introduction
Long-run Neutrality of Money—in the discourse of economic Theory, delineates a Hypothesis wherein alterations in the money supply exert no persistent influence upon real macroeconomic variables such as output or employment, once the economy has adjusted to a new Equilibrium. This Principle posits that while monetary fluctuations may engender temporary disturbances in nominal variables like prices and Wages, their enduring effects are neutralized, leaving the real economic framework unaltered. Long-run Neutrality of Money commands an Understanding that transcends the transitory episodes, underscoring an intrinsic Stability that permeates the economic Landscape, wherein nominal changes elude any permanent imprint on the tangible substance of economic Life.
Language
The nominal "Long-run Neutrality of Money," when parsed, reveals a multilayered construct rooted in economic vernacular. "Long-run" Functions as an adjective, indicating an extended temporal scope, while "Neutrality" is a Noun denoting a State of affectation absence. "Money," another noun, designates the Medium of Exchange. Collectively, they express a theoretical concept where monetary supply changes do not affect real economic variables in the long term. Etymologically, "neutrality" stems from the Latin "neutralitas," derived from "neutralis" (of neither gender), itself tracing back to "neuter," meaning neither. "Money" originates from the Latin "moneta," related to the minting Place, associated with the Roman goddess Juno Moneta. Its roots Trace further to the Proto-Indo-European "*men-" (to Think), suggesting a complex semantic Evolution where metal coinage became synonymous with economic transactions and societal Value systems. The Genealogy of these terms, while unexplored here, plays a pivotal role in Shaping economic discourse. The etymological analysis transcends linguistic boundaries, illustrating the intricate processes of semantic Adaptation and conceptual formation. "Long-run Neutrality of Money" thus serves as a linguistic Artifact within the economic , bridging archaic linguistic heritage with Contemporary theoretical frameworks. This nominal continues to underscore evolving economic Thought, tightly hinged upon its etymological lineage and the enduring Nature of its constituent elements.
Genealogy
Long-run Neutrality of Money, originating in economic discourse, has evolved from a technical postulate to a central tenet in Monetary Theory, reflecting shifts in economic thinking and policy paradigms. Initially associated with classical economists like David Hume and later reinforced by neoclassical economists, the concept posits that in the long term, changes in the money supply only affect nominal variables, such as prices and wages, without influencing real economic factors, like output or employment. This principle gained prominence with the works of Milton Friedman and other monetarists in the mid-20th century, who emphasized its implications for Monetary Policy. Friedman's "The Quantity Theory of Money: A Restatement" and subsequent writings situated the neutrality of money as a cornerstone of monetarist thought, arguing that long-term Price Stability should be the primary goal of central banks. In the intellectual milieu of the Time, characterized by debates over Keynesian interventionism, the long-run neutrality of money reinforced arguments for rules-based rather than discretionary monetary policy. Historically, the concept has been both upheld and challenged, with empirical studies scrutinizing its validity across different economic contexts. Critics argue that the Assumption of neutrality overlooks short-to-medium-term frictions and real-World complexities, such as wage stickiness and varying Velocity of Money. Moreover, the concept has intertwined with related notions like the and the Phillips Curve, influencing the discourse on Inflation-Unemployment Trade-offs. As global economies experienced inflationary and deflationary episodes, the real-world application of this principle has sometimes been contentious, leading to misinterpretations or oversimplifications in policy discussions. Yet, the principle endures, continuously adapted to new economic realities and theoretical advancements, reflecting its deep entrenchment in economic doctrine. This genealogy of the Long-run Neutrality of Money reveals its role as a pivotal concept in monetary theory, shaping and Being shaped by broader intellectual and policy developments over time.
Explore Long-run Neutrality of Money through classic texts, art, architecture, music, and performances from our archives.
Explore other influential icons and ideas connected to Long-run Neutrality of Money to deepen your learning and inspire your next journey.