The Spread of Economic Ideas

by Edited by David C. Colander , Alfred William Coats

• ISBN13: 9780521362337
• ISBN10: 0521362334
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1989-08-25
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This book contains a spirited debate between eminent economists, journalists, and publishers about the spread of economic ideas. Using many of the same ideas as do the rhetorical and sociological philosophical schools, the contributors to this book discuss the spread of economic ideas in readily understandable English. The examination of the flow of ideas among economists and from economists to the public is followed by a discussion of the public policy use and abuse of these concepts. A final section provides insights into the funding of ideas and the incentives to make economics more relevant. The dialogue among the book's contributors provides both the lay reader and the interested professional with fascinating insights into what happens behind the scenes in academia, publishing, and journalism.

Table of Contents

List of tables

List of figures

Preface

1. An introduction to the spread of economic ideas A. W. Coats and David C. Colander

Part I. From Economist to Economist: 2. The state of economics: hopeless but not serious? Robert W. Clower

3. The invisible hand of truth David C. Colander

4. Faith, hope, and clarity Robert M. Solow

5. How ideas spread among economists: examples from international economics Charles P. Kindleberger

6. Journals, university presses, and the spread of ideas Colin Day

Part II. From Economists to the Lay Public: 7. How economic ideas turn to mush Robert M. Solow

8. The development of the ideas: strategic trade policy and competitiveness David Warsh

9. Economics and the common reader Donald S. Lamm

Part III. From Economist to Policymaker: 10. Economic ideas and economists in government: accomplishments and frustrations A. W. Coats

11. The spread of economic ideas between academia and government: a two-way street William J. Barber

12. The exchange of favors in the market for commitments James K. Galbraith

13. How tax reform came about Joseph J. Minarik

Part IV. Funding the Spread of Economic Ideas: 14. Doing good and spreading the gospel (economic) Craufurd D. Goodwin

15. Think tanks and the politics of ideas James A. Smith

16. The role of the NSF in the spread of economic ideas Daniel H. Newlon

17. Money and the spread of ideas David C. Colander

18. Changing incentives to make economics more relevant Gordon Tullock

Bibliography

Index.