Paperback
Contending Perspectives in Economics
A Guide to Contemporary Schools of Thought
9781784719487 Edward Elgar Publishing
This accessible book provides a non-technical yet rigorous introduction to the various competing schools of thought in economics including, Neoclassical, Marxist, Austrian, Post Keynesian, Institutionalist, New Institutionalist, and Feminist. The unique features of each approach are highlighted, complemented by discussions of methodology, world views, popular themes, and current activities. Importantly, the book also examines common criticisms and how each school responds. In the interest of preserving balance and accuracy, every chapter covering a heterodox school of thought has been vetted by an acknowledged expert in that particular field. Though written for use in undergraduate courses, this guide will no doubt offer a great deal to any scholar wishing to gain a fresh perspective and greater understanding of the variety and breadth of current economic thinking.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contributors
Contents
More Information
John Harvey’s accessible book provides a non-technical yet rigorous introduction to various schools of thought in economics. Premised on the idea that economic thinking has been stunted by the almost complete rejection of anything outside the mainstream, the author hopes that this volume will open readers’ minds and lead them in new and productive directions.
In his exploration of Neoclassical, Marxist, Austrian, Post Keynesian, Institutionalist, New Institutionalist and Feminist schools of thought, unique features of each approach are highlighted, complemented by discussions of methodology, world views, popular themes, and current activities. Accurate and impartial, every chapter covering a heterodox school of thought has been vetted by an acknowledged expert in that field.
Though written for use in undergraduate courses, this guide will no doubt offer a great deal to any scholar wishing to gain a fresh perspective and greater understanding of the variety and breadth of current economic thinking.
In his exploration of Neoclassical, Marxist, Austrian, Post Keynesian, Institutionalist, New Institutionalist and Feminist schools of thought, unique features of each approach are highlighted, complemented by discussions of methodology, world views, popular themes, and current activities. Accurate and impartial, every chapter covering a heterodox school of thought has been vetted by an acknowledged expert in that field.
Though written for use in undergraduate courses, this guide will no doubt offer a great deal to any scholar wishing to gain a fresh perspective and greater understanding of the variety and breadth of current economic thinking.
Critical Acclaim
‘The book is a good exercise in getting to know the broader economics profession, especially regarding the commonalities between the various schools of economic thought. The author should be applauded for his effort at remaining impartial, because that is clearly a difficult task. Hopefully, it will contribute to a better understanding of and resolution of some differences among the various schools. The result is both refreshing and thought provoking.’
– Mark Thornton, Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics
‘This wise and lucid guide to pluralism in economics embodies the values of its cause. Generous, open-minded, fair, accurate and accessible: John Harvey's new book is a fine achievement that every economics major should read.’
– James K. Galbraith, The University of Texas at Austin, US
‘Fifty years ago I used Robert L. Heilbroner's The Worldly Philosophers to get students excited about economics. Today I would use John T. Harvey's Contending Perspectives in Economics. The book is beautifully written and full of insights into who economists are and why they think the way they do.’
– Paul D. Bush, California State University, Fresno, US
‘Economics is a mess. Oppositional clans (“schools”), pseudo-science, corruption of various kinds and relentless disdain for the real-world predominate. If you are thinking of entering this war-zone, then reading John Harvey’s Contending Perspectives in Economics is your best bet for retaining your intellectual health.’
– Edward Fullbrook, University of the West of England, UK
'I just finished reading the book! I feel like I learned so much from it, and not just in terms of the information itself. As I read, it stimulated so much thought I found myself writing many pages on things I'd never even thought about!'
– Marcus Schiebold, Economics Undergraduate Student, University of North Texas, US
– Mark Thornton, Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics
‘This wise and lucid guide to pluralism in economics embodies the values of its cause. Generous, open-minded, fair, accurate and accessible: John Harvey's new book is a fine achievement that every economics major should read.’
– James K. Galbraith, The University of Texas at Austin, US
‘Fifty years ago I used Robert L. Heilbroner's The Worldly Philosophers to get students excited about economics. Today I would use John T. Harvey's Contending Perspectives in Economics. The book is beautifully written and full of insights into who economists are and why they think the way they do.’
– Paul D. Bush, California State University, Fresno, US
‘Economics is a mess. Oppositional clans (“schools”), pseudo-science, corruption of various kinds and relentless disdain for the real-world predominate. If you are thinking of entering this war-zone, then reading John Harvey’s Contending Perspectives in Economics is your best bet for retaining your intellectual health.’
– Edward Fullbrook, University of the West of England, UK
'I just finished reading the book! I feel like I learned so much from it, and not just in terms of the information itself. As I read, it stimulated so much thought I found myself writing many pages on things I'd never even thought about!'
– Marcus Schiebold, Economics Undergraduate Student, University of North Texas, US
Contributors
Contents
Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Economics as a Scientific Discipline 3. Neoclassical Economics 4. Marxism 5. Austrian Economics 6. Post Keynesian Economics 7. Institutionalism 8. New Institutionalism 9. Feminist Economics 10. Conclusions Index
