Joseph Schumpeter is undoubtedly one of the most significant economists of the 20th century. His thesis that capitalism is based on "creative destruction" has become a well-known phrase. With his book "Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy," he founded the school of "economic theory of politics." Less well-known are Schumpeter's essays on economic and sociological questions, among which are some groundbreaking studies that have regained relevance in the context of the recent debate about the relationship between economy, society, and politics in light of the global financial crisis. This volume brings together a selection of these essays, some of which are published in German translation for the first time, and is edited by Lisa Herzog and Axel Honneth, accompanied by an afterword from Heinz D. Kurz.