What Do Economists Contribute? - Hardcover

Klein, Daniel B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0333739620 ISBN 13: 9780333739624

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1999

Synopsis

Economists tend to devote themselves to the technical frontiers of their discipline. That might work in physics, where important new decisions are made by experts. But in political economy the important decisions are made, not by experts, but by ordinary public officials and voters. They are innocent of basic economics, and need edification in the basics. This task is neglected, even denigrated, by academic economists. Academic rewards go to refiners on the frontier, even though refinements are often of small relevance to public issues. Great economists of this century - Hayek, Coase, Schelling, Tullock, Kirzner, Graham, Hutt, Philbrook, and McCloskey - address the existential issue for economists: How do we contribute to human betterment? They express their esteem for economic research that is firmly rooted in public issues and that contributes to public discourse. Some suggest that the academic focus on technical refinement not only diverts economists from efforts at public edification, but might even mislead economists in their own understanding of economic affairs.

About this title

Review

Pre-publication endorsements of hardcover
'The title of this book raises a provocative question that should make all economists think. What is our raison d'etre? Only a few economists have specifically addressed the issue. Several of the more challenging efforts are included here.' - James M. Buchanan, Professor of Economics, George Mason University

'Do economists have much influence on government policy, particularly over, say, 5 or 10 years? Probably not. Is that because they don't try hard enough or is it because politicians care more about the next election than about the opinion of economists? In this splendid collection, some published as long ago as the 1930s, nine great economists consider these questions. The editor's illuminating introduction sorts out the area of agreement and disagreement between them.' - Mark Blaug, Visiting Professor of Economics, University of Exeter
Reviews of Hardback

'[The book] contains outstanding essays from nine great economists of this century....the result is lively, informative, engaging discourse ....[The book] is highly recommended reading for lay readers as well as students of economics, and has a great deal of substansive value for even experienced, practicing economists.' - Reviewer's Bookwatch

'In What Do Economists Contribute? the writers try to explain just how economists contribute to the betterment of mankind. Although the title implies that the book is directed to students and intelligent laymen who would otherwise not know the answer, the book is aimed just as much at professional economists themselves. All three groups, especially undergraduates contemplating study in economics, will be fascinated and perhaps troubled by what they read.' - Philip R.Murray, Ideas on Liberty

About the Author

DANIEL KLEIN is Associate Professor of Economics at Santa Clara University. He discovered economics during high school through a friend who used economic principles to explain why school was so bad. Ever since, Klein has believed in the power of economics to interpret the world and to persuade people to see things differently. He teaches courses in economic principles, public policy issues, and game theory. He is the co-author of Curb Rights: A Foundation for Free Enterprise in Urban Transit, and editor of Reputation: Studies in the Voluntary Elicitation of Good Conduct.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0333739620
• ISBN 13: 9780333739624
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 172