ABSTRACT
To stop at this point would be to display rash optimism as to the possible extension of the bounds of the market to most social transactions. Indeed, as soon as rules introducing social and collective considerations into the principles governing markets are laid down and enforced, markets seem to be perfectly capable of responding to all human needs backed by purchasing power, even if in certain cases the regulatory state plays a role in providing the purchasing power to back demand. To accept this point of view would constitute progress in some respects, since it would mean that a society, if it so decided, could manage its markets in accordance with non-commercial and non-economic values and in such a way as to foster collective projects. However, that would be idealistic and unwise, for various reasons that we are now going to discuss. The question of the risks inherent in applying competitive market relationships to all social transactions, and that of the precautionary principles that are necessary, are extremely sensitive ones. We will not be addressing them from the perspective of moral and political philosophy. Rather, we will rely essentially on the socio-economic analysis of markets, drawing on two examples. The first, borrowed from Michel Callon,1 is that of scientific research. We will attempt to extend it to other activities. The second, which is based on our own research, is that of public services and their role in the production of social cohesion.
