What Do Economists Contribute?: Introduction

WHAT DO ECONOMISTS CONTRIBUTE?, Daniel B. Klein, ed., New York University Press, 1999; Macmillan, 1999; Palgrave, 2001

14 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2004

See all articles by Daniel B. Klein

Daniel B. Klein

George Mason University - Department of Economics; George Mason University - Mercatus Center

Abstract

The essays gathered here speak of the choices economists make. Which subjects to write on, which premises to follow, which authorities to appeal to, which methods to use, which tones to assume, which audiences to address, which challenges to respond to, which social purposes to serve - all these choices are made each time an economist acts as an economist. Are economists today, in making their individual choices, led to promote ends of human betterment? Most of the present authors suspect that much choosing by economists is not for the better.

Economists are quick to find flaws in markets, governments, and other institutions. Yet they rarely aim their flaw-finding at their own professional institutions. Not publicly, anyway. In such matters, their public attitude is rather like their attitude toward their children: acceptance without critical examination. Some economists harbor doubts about normal professional practice and standards, doubts confined to private thought and discreet conversations. A few, such as Arjo Klamer, David Colander, Thomas Mayer, Deirdre McCloskey, and Lawrence Summers express their doubts publicly.

Keywords: Character, relevance, formalism, public discourse

Suggested Citation

Klein, Daniel B., What Do Economists Contribute?: Introduction. WHAT DO ECONOMISTS CONTRIBUTE?, Daniel B. Klein, ed., New York University Press, 1999; Macmillan, 1999; Palgrave, 2001, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=484624

Daniel B. Klein (Contact Author)

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States

HOME PAGE: http://economics.gmu.edu/people/dklein

George Mason University - Mercatus Center ( email )

3434 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
United States

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