Jonathan Schlefer ably contrasts the two main approaches to macroeconomics-neoclassical and classical/Keynesian-and on social, historical, and political grounds strongly endorses the latter. “ The Assumptions Economists Make is a marvelous piece of political economy. He manages to connect the theories that economists produce-and the assumptions that go along with the theories-to economists’ varied, influential roles in public life as policy makers and public intellectuals. With great respect, curiosity, insight, and wit, Jonathan Schlefer has given readers a sense of how the models and metaphors of economics inform our most important public policy debates. “A marvel of clarity and elegance, The Assumptions Economists Make is the best book I’ve read about the ideas and practices of economists. He disputes factors such as supply and demand, technology, and unionization as causes of the current recession, noting that many believed the ‘supply of better-educated workers increasing relative to lower-skilled workers would cause their pay premium to fall’ when just the opposite happened. Schlefer asserts that macroeconomic models failed to guide government policy before 2008 because economists got their neoclassical theory wrong, and he blames the economic troubles of 2008 and beyond on the instability of private financial markets. “Not a history of economic thinkers, this is an examination of their prevailing assumptions, from Adam Smith to the present. “ The Assumptions Economists Make is a valuable book for readers who like to argue, reflect, and advance knowledge. ” -Justin Fox, Harvard Business Review blog “Fascinating… book is a tough critique of economics, but a deeply informed and sympathetic one. “Schlefer’s lucid and witty account of the evolution of economic thought makes this book an easy and fun read for anyone interested in the subject. “ The Assumptions Economists Make a knowledgeable…broadside against neoclassical economics… Schlefer’s gripes concern model-building run amok… His criticisms of these models are original and sophisticated. ” -Michelle Baddeley, Times Higher Education Free eBook PDF/KINDLE/EPUB Economix: How and Why Our Economy Works (and Doesnt Work), in Words and Pictures by Michael Goodwin Epub Hardback Review. “This book is an impressive and informative analysis of the economics literature-and it presents some useful insights about how a more eclectic, catholic approach might allow economics to progress more convincingly into the future. ” -Binyamin Applebaum, The New York Times blog Economix He explains what the models assume, what they actually demonstrate-and where they fall short. by Goodwin, Michael About This Item Reviews Details Terms of Sale About the Seller Collecting Children s Literature Collecting proofs, galleys, and. “You could read ten books on the subject and not glean as much education.“A lucid, plain-spoken account of the major economic models, which introduces in chronological order, creating a kind of intellectual history of macroeconomics. Goodwin brilliantly contextualizes economic theories with historical narrative, while Burr’s simple but elegant illustration employs classical techniques like caricaturing politicians and symbolizing big businesses (as a gleeful factory) to help the reader visualize difficult concepts.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) Stimulus plans: good or bad? Free markets: How free are they? Jobs: Can we afford them? Capitalism, socialism, and communism: What’s the difference? Corporations: Are they people?įor those who want to better understand what Wall Street and Washington know (or say they know), this graphic history, with clear, witty writing and quirky, entertaining art, transforms “the dismal science” of economics into a fun, fact-filled story about human nature and our attempts to make the most of what we’ve got. New York Times–Bestseller: An “engrossing” history of economics, from an author with “excellent storytelling skills” and an Eisner Award-winning artist ( Boing Boing).
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