The Book as a Specific Cultural Good (Merit Good) in the Context of Slovak Law

Abstract

An interdisciplinary analysis primarily places the concept of the book within the legal-theoretical and constitutional framework of the Slovak Republic and the European Union. In this context, the book is defined not merely as a common material carrier of information, but above all as a specific good worthy of protection (merit good), which brings significant positive benefits to society. Attention is focused in detail on the causal link between reading literacy, the development of cognitive abilities, and economic growth, with the argumentation finding support in international empirical findings and PISA testing results. Subsequently, the value tension between the principles of free economic competition and the constitutional imperative to protect cultural heritage is critically evaluated, pointing out the limits to the freedom of enterprise and the necessity of applying a proportionality test in the case of potential book price regulation. The main objective is to formulate comprehensive theoretical and legal starting points for de lege ferenda considerations aimed at preventing negative externalities and providing systemic protection for the national book market against the impacts of absolute deregulation.