What Do Economists Contribute?

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. Do economists have much influence on government policy, particularly over, say, five or ten years? 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.

Table of Contents:
Editor's Introduction Bibliography Biographies of Contributors On the Role of Values in the Work of Economists; F.D.Graham Economists and Public Policy; R.Coase On the Decline of Authority of Economists; W.H.Hutt 'Realism' in Policy Espousal; C.Philbrook How to Do Well While Doing Good!; G.Gordon The Common Weal and Economic Stories; D.N.McCloskey What Do Economists Know?; T.C.Schelling Economists and the Correction of Error; I.M.Kirzner On Being an Economist; F.A.Hayek

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.

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 studentsand 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