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Public Economics Lectures Part 1: Introduction

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Lipsey and Lancaster (1956): Theory of the Second Best<br />

Standard optimal policy results only hold with single deviation from<br />

first best<br />

Ex: Ramsey formulas invalid if there are pre-existing distortions,<br />

imperfect competition, etc.<br />

In second-best, anything is possible<br />

Policy changes that would increase welfare in a model with a single<br />

deviation from first best need not do so in second-best<br />

Ex: tariffs can improve welfare by reducing distortions in other part of<br />

economy<br />

Destructive result for welfare economics<br />

<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Economics</strong> <strong>Lectures</strong> () <strong>Part</strong> 4: Optimal Taxation 28 / 121

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