# James M. Buchanan

> American economist, recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economics (1919–2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q205353](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q205353)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_M._Buchanan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-m-buchanan

## Summary
James M. Buchanan is an American economist and recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (1919–2013), known for his contributions to public choice theory and the study of economic behavior in political contexts. He was a professor at the University of Chicago and later at the University of Tennessee, where he made significant advancements in understanding human decision-making under uncertainty and its implications for policy and governance.

## Biography
- Born: October 3, 1919 (source: P569)
- Nationality: American (source: citizenship: Q30)
- Education:
  - Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee (source: educated_at: Q131252)
  - Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee (source: educated_at: Q1150105)
  - Doctorate from the University of Chicago (source: educated_at: Q1784748)
- Known for: Pioneering public choice theory and economic analysis of political behavior
- Employer(s):
  - University of Chicago (source: employer: Q1411222)
  - University of Tennessee (source: employer: Q861548)
  - Middle Tennessee State University (source: employer: Q213439)
  - George Mason University (source: employer: Q501758)
- Field(s): Economics, Public Choice Theory (source: field_of_work: Q188094)

## Contributions
- **Public Choice Theory**: Developed foundational concepts in public choice theory, analyzing how economic principles apply to political decision-making. His work laid the groundwork for understanding collective action and public policy.
- **Nobel Prize Recognition**: Awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2013 for his contributions to the study of economic behavior in political contexts (source: award_received: Q47170).
- **Academic Leadership**: Served as a professor at prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago and the University of Tennessee, shaping generations of economists.
- **Honorary Degrees**: Received honorary doctorates from the University of Valladolid and the University of Valencia (source: award_received: Q38810578, Q59766247).
- **National Humanities Medal**: Awarded the National Humanities Medal in recognition of his contributions to humanities (source: award_received: Q1571938).
- **Adam Smith Award**: Recipient of the Adam Smith Award, further honoring his economic contributions (source: award_received: Q50618211).

## FAQs
**What is James M. Buchanan known for?**
James M. Buchanan is known for his pioneering work in public choice theory, which examines how economic principles influence political decision-making. His research laid the foundation for understanding collective action and public policy.

**Where did James M. Buchanan work?**
He held teaching positions at the University of Chicago, the University of Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University, and George Mason University.

**What awards has James M. Buchanan received?**
He received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, the National Humanities Medal, the Adam Smith Award, and honorary doctorates from the University of Valladolid and the University of Valencia.

**What is public choice theory?**
Public choice theory is a field of economics that studies how economic principles apply to political decision-making, analyzing collective action and public policy.

## Why They Matter
James M. Buchanan's work in public choice theory revolutionized the understanding of economic behavior in political contexts. His theories on collective action and public policy have influenced academic research, policy-making, and economic analysis worldwide. His Nobel Prize recognition solidified his legacy as a leading economist, and his honorary degrees and awards underscore his impact on both economics and the humanities. Buchanan's contributions continue to shape discussions on governance, policy, and the intersection of economics and politics.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize Winner**: Recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (2013)
- **Public Choice Theory Pioneer**: Developed foundational concepts in public choice theory
- **Academic Leader**: Professor at the University of Chicago and the University of Tennessee
- **Honorary Degrees**: Recipient of honorary doctorates from the University of Valladolid and the University of Valencia
- **National Humanities Medal**: Awarded the National Humanities Medal for contributions to humanities
- **Adam Smith Award**: Recipient of the Adam Smith Award
- **Multidisciplinary Influence**: Contributions span economics, political science, and public policy

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born on October 3, 1919, in the United States (source: P569)
- Earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee (source: educated_at: Q131252)
- Completed a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee (source: educated_at: Q1150105)
- Obtained a doctorate from the University of Chicago (source: educated_at: Q1784748)

### Academic Career
- **University of Chicago**: Served as a professor, contributing to economic theory and public choice (source: employer: Q1411222)
- **University of Tennessee**: Held teaching positions, shaping economic education (source: employer: Q861548)
- **Middle Tennessee State University**: Taught economics, furthering academic influence (source: employer: Q213439)
- **George Mason University**: Continued teaching and research in economics (source: employer: Q501758)

### Contributions to Public Choice Theory
- Developed foundational concepts in public choice theory, analyzing economic behavior in political contexts
- Published influential works on collective action and public policy, shaping academic discourse

### Awards and Recognition
- **Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences**: Awarded in 2013 for contributions to public choice theory (source: award_received: Q47170)
- **National Humanities Medal**: Recognized for contributions to humanities (source: award_received: Q1571938)
- **Adam Smith Award**: Honored for economic contributions (source: award_received: Q50618211)
- **Honorary Doctorates**: Received from the University of Valladolid and the University of Valencia (source: award_received: Q38810578, Q59766247)

### Legacy and Influence
- His work in public choice theory continues to influence economic analysis and policy-making
- Recognized as a leading economist with a lasting impact on academic research and governance
- Honored with multiple awards and degrees, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in economics

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 1986. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/1986/summary/)
4. [Source](http://www.uva.es/export/sites/uva/1.lauva/1.15.doctoreshonoriscausa/index.html)
5. [Source](https://www.uv.es/uvweb/rectorado/es/premios-distinciones/doctores-honoris-causa/doctores-honoris-causa-siglo-xx/fecha-investidura/acto-investidura-doctor-honoris-causa-del-excm-sr-dr-james-buchanan-1285872205498/Honoris.html?id=1285878562627)
6. Mathematics Genealogy Project
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. SNAC
10. Find a Grave
11. Babelio
12. Munzinger Personen
13. [Very sad news](http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2013/01/very-sad-news.html)
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Croatian Encyclopedia
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Buchanan, James M. | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL232049A/Buchanan_James_M.)
18. Virtual International Authority File
19. BBC Things
20. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
21. Via P227 lookup with GND value from PM20 folder. 20th Century Press Archives
22. LIBRIS. 2014
23. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Buchanan-James-McGill;3881500.html)