What Do Economists Contribute? (Cato Institute Book)
by Daniel B. Klein (Editor)
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Description
Economists direct their research mainly to the technical frontiers of the discipline. But the actual decisions of political economy are made, not by experts, but by ordinary public officials and voters--the "Everyman." However, the task of educating the Everyman is neglected, sometimes even denigrated, by academic economists. Daniel Klein has here gathered essays of 9 great economists of this century--Friedrich Hayek, Ronald Coase, Thomas Schelling, Gordon Tullock, Israel Kirzner, Frank show more Graham, William Hutt, Clarence Philbrook, and D. McCloskey--addressing the existential issue for economists: "How do we contribute to human betterment?" The authors express their esteem for economic research 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. show lessTags
Member Reviews
Really neat book to read for those disillusioned by the publish-to-list-on-resume rather than for the sake of inquiry state of most of academia, or of the talk big to cover up not knowing anything corner. Also has some helpful suggestions on how to be productive in the bs resume way and do substantial research at the same time. Also reflection on the contentious relationship between theory and practice. Also very funny at times. Also awesome.
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Author Information
Daniel Klein is Professor of Economics at George Mason University and Associate Fellow at the Ratio Institute (Stockholm). He is the founder and the chief editor of Econ Journal Watch.
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- Reviews
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- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 5
