Comparison of these two sets of aims reveals a rather striking diminution of more specific content in the MPS manifesto. After all, isn’t the appeal to the need for “further study” the last refuge of academic scoundrels? One can interpret this not only as evidence of a fair amount of dissension within the ranks of the MPS; but also as evidence that the transnational band of participants did not have a very clear idea of where the project was headed in 1947. The only immutable truths to which they were eager to pledge their troth were those of a more general philosophical and normative kind: the fundamental neoliberal values and principled beliefs we can discern in the short list of six major tasks that have guided the neoliberal thought collective. These tasks include economic freedom and individualism, the affirmation of moral standards, and possibly surprising for many critiques: social minimum standards (acknowledging the limits of private charity). Among the principled beliefs were those in positive state functions, a system of law and order, and international trade. Notably absent are the range of human and political rights traditionally embraced by liberals (including the right to form coalitions and freedom of the press).

Philip Mirowski & Dieter Plehwe (eds.), The Road from Mont Pèlerin, loc. 149